Digital etiquette refers to practicing good manners when communicating online through messaging, emailing, or posting content. Tone is often absent in digital communication, so ambiguity can arise regarding whether something was meant as a joke or insult. People should avoid posting inappropriate pictures like sexting without consent, and cyberbullying is unacceptable. The best approach is to treat others online with the same respect as in person by not being offensive, rude, mean, or a bully, and to think carefully before posting or sending anything that could potentially embarrass or hurt someone.

1. By: Erik JergensenWhat is Digital Etiquette?

2. Let’s Start With a Definition!Digital Etiquette is defined as internet manners. On the internet, when instant messaging, emailing or posting pictures/videos, no one can see you.If people can’t see you, and they read your words and not hear your words, TONE DOES NOT EXIST.This is a problem…

3. Be NICE!!!When tone is absent in communicating, ambiguity is formed which clouds the meaning of the entire conversation. Some people say things jokingly, but it is not always clear to the other person if you are kidding or not.Some examples include: sarcasm, irony, cheeky speak or making fun.

4. A Picture is Worth 1000 Words. Tone is not always bad digital etiquette, otherwise known as NETiquette.Inappropriate pictures, such as sexting is a common problem in the media lately.Sexting is the sending of pornographic pictures to people, who may not always be aware when they push “view”.Also, if there is a compromising photo of someone (perhaps embarrassing) it should only be posted if the person in question is okay with it; respect their wishes.

5. Cyber BullyingPeople have been getting shoved in lockers for years, but that is not the only way to bully. Online or by phone, calling names, being mean or making threats is something in the technology world too.Cyber Bullying is not a joking matter and everyone should treat one another as they would want to be treated, i.e. the Golden Rule!

6. What Do We Do About It?The best thing to do is to not do anything that can be controversial or misconstrued as mean or inappropriate. Practice manners online, in your phone and, more generally, ALL THE TIME.People should treat others with respect all the time and that DOES NOT end at the keyboard.

7. RecapDigital etiquette is practicing the Golden Rule in any form of communication that is linked to technology.Do not be offensive, rude, mean or a bully.Know that joking is fun, but if there is any chance of ambiguity, why risk it?No one’s feelings are made of steel, remember when you type mean or post bad pictures, YOU ARE NOT FUNNY YOU ARE WRONG!

8. Recap (cont’d)Look before you leap. Digital Etiquette is about using manners in cyber space and using technology in a responsible way.Technology is not to be used to bully, embarrass, cheat, humiliate or hurt anyone or for any cause. If you follow the rules of Digital Etiquette, no trouble should come to you. Set an example to others and think…