In the age of the internet, we’re negotiating a world unlike the one we’ve ever seen before. With this new digital realm comes a unique set of social rules — and sticking to them is essential if you want to ensure a good time online. Learning digital etiquette can help us understand the do’s and don’ts of online communication, ensuring that everyone has a respectful and safe experience when interacting with each other on the web.
1. The New Etiquette: Understanding the Rules of the Digital Realm
As technology keeps up with the times, so must our etiquette. The rules of the digital realm come with some updated conventions that need to be met in order to maintain good manners. It’s time to start understanding the new etiquette of the digital world.
Respect Privacy – When it comes to the social space, we need to make sure we respect the personal privacy and choices of others. No matter what platform we are using, whether it’s Twitter, Facebook or blogs, we should never share confidential information without the individual’s prior consent.
Think Before Posting – One thing to remember while using social media is that once something is posted, it may never disappear. Even if we delete the post, there may still be a chance that a copy is stored away somewhere. So you want to put some thought into your posts- make sure it’s something you’re happy to stand by.
Be Courteous – The same way that you expect respect from others offline, the same should apply online. Never post something that could be considered offensive or mean-spirited. You also always want to be polite and leave constructive criticism if needed.
Follow Guidelines– Social media now concepts its own set of policies and guidelines that must be met when interacting on the platform. Make sure that you look into the rules and regulations of the platform before posting.
- Respect Another Individual’s Privacy
- Think Before Posting
- Be Courteous
- Follow Guidelines
The new etiquette of the digital world is all about understanding these rules and regulations and using them to communicate effectively and respectfully. Just because our interactions are now digital, doesn’t mean that they have to be any less thoughtful or meaningful.
2. Online Interactions at a Glance: Making Civil Connections
With an ever-expanding landscape of online interactions, it can be tough to navigate. It’s important to build civil connections online–to be conscious and considerate of people’s feelings while maintaining a positive, respectful environment.
Need to Know the Nitty-Gritty? Here are some essential tips:
- Be mindful of your language. Don’t type anything that you wouldn’t say to someone face-to-face.
- Try to stay mindful of other people’s feelings and perspectives.
- Respect people’s cultural boundaries and values, regardless of your own.
- Take a chill pill. If you find yourself getting wrapped up in an online argument, just disconnect for a bit.
It’s also important to be aware of the different types of online interactions. From tweets to Facebook to Instagram, there are lots of different forums and mediums for people to talk and express their opinions. You may find yourself disagreeing with everyone in one online space, or coming to a consensus in another.
Sometimes it may be better to think before you type. Some words and conversations aren’t necessarily appropriate for every single type of online platform. Before you dive into a heated argument, consider if the conversation will be productive.
3. The Rise of Cyber Bullying: How to Take a Stand and Be an Advocate for Respectful Engagement
In our new digital age, cyber bullying has become increasingly more prevalent. From social media sites like Twitter and Instagram to messaging apps, the prevalence of quick and cutting comments is reaching an all time high. Bullying is no longer restricted to physical confrontations and the playground, it now follows us wherever we go; making us more vulnerable to cruel internet trolling than ever before.
It can be difficult to know how to take a stand and protect yourself against cyber bullying. Here are two tips that can help:
- Don’t Engage: Rather than engaging in a heated conversation with a cyber bully, take a step back and reassess the situation. Sometimes it’s better to take a moment and a deep breath and ignore external voices that are using hurtful language.
- Report: If the situation does escalate, don’t hesitate to report it to administrators. Most social media companies and other messaging platforms have policies and systems in place to ensure that toxicity is removed and that negative experiences can be avoided.
Being an advocate for kindness is the best doubt to combat cyber bullying. Speak up and make a stand. Lead by example and encourage your peers to do the same by setting a positive tone online.
At the end of the day, having respect for one another is the recipe for success both online and off. Internet trolling and cyberbullying are a sad reality however, by continuously promoting respectful engagement, we can make a difference.
Connecting with people online can be a complicated affair, and with the ever-evolving digital landscape, navigating these complex conversations requires careful consideration. In order to ensure that we interact with others in a respectful manner, it’s important to follow the guidelines outlined in this article. By practicing digital etiquette, we can create an online environment that is respectful, safe and open to all — no matter our differences. Let’s be mindful of our actions when using the digital world, and build bridges, not walls.
