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What is netiquette? -

Netiquette refers to internet guidelines that advise people on how to communicate and treat others when interacting online. These aren't legally binding rules, but recommended rules of etiquette.

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Importance of practicing netiquette -

Practicing netiquette can be important for strengthening your online reputation. It's also important to practice netiquette so you can communicate effectively with people like coworkers or classmates through online platforms.

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Practice using empathy -

Empathy involves practicing patience and understanding others. When speaking to someone online, you can use empathy to better relate to their emotions and experiences.

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Use a friendly tone -

Tone refers to how your messages sound to your recipients, including your word choice and syntax. When messaging someone online, use a kind tone that shows you respect their opinions.

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Use respectful language -

Name-calling, cursing, expressing deliberately offensive opinions: if you wouldn't do this to someone's face, don't write it. This includes on social media, forums, chat rooms, and email.

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Keep an eye on privacy -

Beyond improving your online security and avoiding sharing your data with online scammers, you must also keep in mind new technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Therefore, take a hard look at what you’re putting out there.

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Fact check before reposting -

Proper netiquette says to pause and fact check before reposting or forwarding certain information. With growing concerns about misinformation, it's best to look at everything with a critical eye.

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Read content thoroughly -

Reading messages or comments thoroughly is important for understanding what others are trying to communicate to you. This can also help you write messages that fully address the recipient's comments or questions.

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Don't spam -

In the online world, spamming refers to several unwanted emails, texts, or social media messages. Avoid doing this to your contacts, as it can help keep your relationships intact.

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Ask people before adding them to group chats -

Some people prefer to not be added to large group chats or social media groups. Good netiquette involves getting their permission first to ensure that they're cool with it.

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Check for grammar/spelling mistakes -

Checking for grammar and spelling mistakes is important when it comes to being professional online. Consider proofreading your message for errors and typos before sending it.

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Debate like a gentleperson -

Sometimes it's best to avoid online debates. But if it's something you feel strongly about, there are ways to debate respectfully. Think of it as an exercise in mutual listening, where everybody learns more about the truth.

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Take it offline -

If you were offended by something someone you know posted, a simple netiquette rule is to take it offline. Meet up or call the person to understand how the post or comment was intended. Talking about it in person can clear things up quickly.

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Respect people's privacy -

Whether you're speaking to people on social media, messaging, or emailing someone, you can respect other people's privacy by asking permission before sharing their information. The same goes for posting anything about them or with them, including photos or videos.

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Interact sparingly -

Just to be polite, you may feel pressured to like everything that friends or professional connections post. But liking or commenting on a post will encourage a platform's algorithm to show you more posts by that person or similar content, which works against you if you're using your account to stay up to date on what colleagues or friends are doing. Instead, save the likes for professional work you really admire.

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Share with discretion -

Don't send nudes or post pictures of alcohol use, drug use, or other information about your private life online. Once these images and statements are uploaded, they're there for the rest of the world to see, forever.

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Ensure messages are clear -

Clear communication can help people properly interpret your messages online. After writing, reread your message and determine if it's as clear as possible, or if you need to revise anything.

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Respond to emails and texts on time -

By all means, ignore and delete spam and unsolicited messages. But otherwise, have the courtesy to reply to a message within a few days, especially if it's from family or friends. If it's going to take longer, that's okay. Just let them know.

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Forgive the mistakes of others -

Be it colleagues or classmates, there can be spelling mistakes, superfluous questions, or answers that are too long. If they're only minor mistakes, it's best not to react to them at all. But if they're bigger, point it out to the person in a private message.

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Be professional, even on your personal account -

If your personal account is public, or if you only have one account for both professional and personal interactions, know that these two worlds are connected. Before posting something, consider the context and readers.

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Choose connections wisely -

This netiquette rule can protect your privacy and professional image. Be careful who you connect with. Rather than adding anyone who asks, limit your LinkedIn network to colleagues and professionals in your field whose work you admire. Also, instead of following particular content creators, follow professional organizations.

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Make real people a priority -

Nothing is more irritating than trying to have a conversation with someone who's glued to their device. Constantly checking your email or social media sends the message that you’re not interested in that person. Keep in mind that whatever is happening in the online world can generally wait.

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Keep it simple -

When you have multiple accounts, it can be stressful to always check them. One netiquette rule that can help set boundaries for your own well-being is to consider reducing the number of social media accounts you use.

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Update online information -

Don't leave inaccurate information online just because you can't be bothered to update your social media profile. And if you own a business and can't keep your website up to date, then just take it down.

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Don't confuse adding friends for being a good friend -

You may feel connected to distant family members or to old friends because you see their new posts, but it's a false sense of connection. It's important to remember that online connections can't replace community and building in-person relationships.

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For parents -

Because of user agreements, even when you post pictures of your kids to a private account, that content is no longer yours. On top of that, others can screenshot or download your pictures and posts without your knowledge. Therefore, it might be best not to share photos of your kid's face.

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In conclusion -

Following netiquette is important for a number of reasons. It helps enhance relationships with people you care about, while protecting your professional reputation. Proper netiquette can also protect people's privacy, including yours. 

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Reader's Digest) (Indeed)

See also: Cell phone etiquette rules you should be following

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