Netiquette: How to Use Respect on the Internet

Netiquette (which stands for internet etiquette) is defined as a code of behavior that internet users follow while using the internet. If you have used the internet to surf through entertainment websites you may have noticed the derogative laden commentary left by many of the users. Users who comment in such a way detract from the prestige of the website and make it appear cheap. Their comments often directed at others are very hurtful. Even though the comments are just words, they have the ability to deeply pain people. Younger children may not be too concerned about netiquette but adults who use the internet to interact with others may wish to use it respectfully. Below are some simple tips on netiquette.

When you are in chat rooms, sending an email, or leaving commentary on a website you should do the following:

Avoid using all capital letters. Many people think that using all capital letters when writing a message or comment is a way to express emphasis. However, writing in all capitals will make you appear as if you are shouting and this will offend others. If you would like to place emphasis on a word try using the Italic button.

Look over your message before sending it which means that you should run it through spell check. A message or commentary with innumerable misspellings will make you appear immature and careless with your writing.

Avoid using terms derogatory or condescending/sarcastic text. Even though using the internet does not require you to be face to face with a person, you still need to use a certain level of decency. You should remember that old school rule, treat others how you want to be treated. Many internet users fail to realize how much words can hurt people over the internet. What you may consider as careless joking can actually tear someone down.

Using abbreviations for sayings is fine for use in chat rooms or instant messaging. However, you should avoid using abbreviations when you are writing and sending professional emails. The Oprah show website has a nice neat list of commonly used abbreviations and what they stand for.

Avoid sending flames. Flames are messages that are sent to people with the intention of hurting them. Flames are often full of curse words that are used to insult someone and put them down. Flame wars (consistent exchanger of insulting messages between two or more people) or flaming often occurs in forums, discussion boards, and in the commentary section of websites.

Avoid linking others to spam websites and avoid sending spam to others. Spam is not that mysteriously canned meat that you used to poke and prod as a child; it is the consistent sending of unsolicited mail (in bulk form) to individuals. There are many different types of spam but the main goal of using spam is to forcibly promote a service to someone.

Avoid reading and peeking at someone's email. Although reading someone's email can be hard to resist, you should never do it. Everyone has their right to privacy and you should respect that right. However, if a person volunteers to share the content of their email with you then you should feel free to read it.

Avoid publishing information that is not true on the web and avoid believing everything that is in print without first checking it. If you are going to publish something on the web make sure that it is true, you do not want to mislead readers. Also when you are researching the web make sure that you research well by using many different and reputable sources. Remember that not everything on the web is true and you want to make sure that the information that you do have is factual.

Try your best to be concise when typing messages. In general, people take to the internet because of its speed. They like the swiftness of it and this is true for reading emails, instant messaging, and reading comments. Keep the text that you write concise but coherent.

Lastly, do not plagiarize which means do not take someone else's work and claim it as your own. If you do use a portion of someone's work in your message be sure to correctly cite that source.