Internet is now
widely used by millions and billions of people. It does not only serve as
entertainment for others but more than this is that it is a way of users’
communication with each other and is a source of information for great
purposes.
Internet Etiquette,
or commonly known as Netiquette, refers to the rules regarding the behavior or attitude users or Netizens (short word for Internet
Citizens) must have in the Online Environment. Hence, the following are 10 best selected
netiquette that will guide you as you enter into the portals of the Internet
Community:
1. Be polite and respectful of others.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. This
seven-letter word is one important thing which means a lot and is considered to
be indispensable especially in people. Thus, respect among netizens is
necessary. We must always be polite and respectful with our words and
actions toward other people and in our interaction with them.
2. Help the internet “newbies”.
Beginners in using the
Internet are popularly known as “internet newbies”. When someone seems to be
one, do not hesitate to offer help as you also needed such when you were once a
neophyte. Also, be patient with them for they are just starting to learn and
discover things in the Internet world.
3. Make messages or texts as concise and accurate
as possible.
This will provide an
easy time for readers. Hence, we must make these writings brief and simple yet
motivating and true.
4. Do spell and grammar checking.
Before posting anything
on the Internet, make sure that the spelling and grammar of the words and
statements made are correct. Errors in these might reduce the reliability of
your message. There might also be some instances where it may mean differently to
others from what you really meant about it (e.g. just because you have
interchanged words).
5. Avoid writing in All Caps.
All Caps is equivalent
to shouting in the cyberspace, and shouting at others is a form of disrespect
and impoliteness. So, writing in All Caps in the Internet world shows such
unacceptable attitude. Simple analogy right? Emphasis on important words can be
written in all caps but should not be all the time. For this reason, let us
stop doing so.
6. Do not flame.
Do not post or say any
abusive languages and/or hurtful words against other internet users. Also, do
not make stories and things which will ruin others’ image or reputation. As
what rule number one says, “respect”.
7. Do not upload destructive videos or photos.
Posting such files may
create issues and undesirable effects on other people. Consequently, it may
lead to cyber bullying.
8. Protect personal information.
Since Internet serves
billion of users worldwide and that anything you post can be seen by many,
avoid putting personal information like address, cell phone number, social
security number, etc. to prevent any unsafe actions from thieves, intruders,
and predators.
9. Respect copyright.
Never copy works of
others and claim it as your own. Plagiarism is a violation to the copyright law
and is a form of stealing. If you want to post or quote something, always
remember to mention the name of the author and/or cite and post the link of its
source/reference.
10. Be
yourself.
Doing online what you do
in reality is being yourself. Always be reminded that other netizens are real
people too. You may not be taken seriously if you pretend to be something or
someone you’re not.
As Netizens, we are
therefore responsible of our words and actions especially in communicating with
other people, of how we should behave when we access the Net, and of everything
we do that is involved with the Internet world.
It is in our hands
whether to follow it or not. But as far as the Internet and us, the netizens,
are concerned, every single thing we do plays an important role and thus reflects
our character and takes effect in us, either positively or negatively. So now,
which way will you go?
