Netiquette

Netiquette exists to help people communicate more effectively while online and to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Without a sound understanding of netiquette, you run the risk of displaying abusive or cyberbullying-type behavior without even being aware of it.

It is a new word and concept for some of us, but a basic understanding of netiquette is important for everybody who uses the internet.

This is why most websites and social media platforms where users can communicate in this way have accepted rules of behavior. These codes of practice have been developed to ensure people are able to communicate clearly and avoid misunderstandings (see examples of acceptable online behavior in our good netiquette guide further down this page).

Each website, whether a discussion board, social media platform, or forum, will have its own rules about how to use their platform responsibly, so always read them before you start posting!

Respect people's privacy: If someone isn't comfortable sharing information with you, try not to push or pressure them into doing so. Also, never share other people's personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, or emails, without permission, as this can be considered doxing.

Be mindful of your language: Be aware of the language you use online. Although you might believe it to be funny or harmless, another person might take offense to it or find it upsetting. Don't be sarcastic! (Sarcasm doesn't translate well on the internet!)

Choose your emojis carefully: Emojis, or emoticons, have now become a recognized language in their own right! Make sure that if you use emoticons, you are using one that is appropriate for the emotion you are trying to convey; they can easily change the context of an entire conversation.

Respect the views of others: The beauty of the internet relies on varying and diverse opinions and beliefs. Allow others to share their views without the conversation becoming heated or turning into an argument, regardless of your personal opinion!

Remember that people will have different points of view and can sometimes react in a way that you don't expect, so it is always a good idea to keep this in mind.

Not including context: When commenting on a message thread or existing post, it is considered bad netiquette to not include relevant information from the original post in order to add context to your comment. This can make it confusing for other users.

Not proofreading: By not reading what you have written before pressing 'post' or'send,' you could be saying something you didn't intend to say! One typo or auto-correct is all it takes to change the entire sentiment of a message. This can potentially cause unnecessary distress or offense to the recipient.

Inappropriate jokes: It is considered bad netiquette to make jokes that would be deemed inappropriate by others, especially when replying to a thread of messages or comments on an existing post. Making jokes that could offend others or placing a joke on an existing thread that has upsetting or distressing content would be considered inappropriate.

Ignoring people who need help: If someone asks you directly for help online, it would be deemed bad netiquette to ignore their request for help. Even if you can't assist them directly with their problem, you could try to find some information or support groups that are able to help them with their situation.

Spamming others: It can be difficult to get noticed when using social media and online forums, especially when it comes to companies managing their customer services through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. The temptation to send continuous messages until you gain the attention of the company can be overwhelming, but it is deemed bad netiquette to send a chain of continuous messages to any company or individual online. This behavior can actually have consequences, such as being banned from social media platforms or from messaging people on the platform you are using.

Catfishing: It is considered bad netiquette to pretend to be someone else by using photos of another person or lying about your identity to others. Catfishing can cause serious psychological harm to the victim and can potentially destroy any relationships or friendships that have been made.

Not allowing others to express themselves: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and not allowing someone their right to an opinion is bad netiquette. Even if you disagree with their thoughts and opinions, it is important to let them express themselves.

Using capital letters all the time: When we want to express emphasis on something, it can prove especially difficult online, and occasionally we use capital letters to get our point across. Although it can be effective, if you always use capitals, it can make people believe you're annoyed or shouting at them.

Not respecting people's privacy: It is deemed bad netiquette to share any information about someone else online without permission to do so. Even if they share that information themselves, you should always check. Not only is it considered bad netiquette, but it could also be considered doxing.

Arguing with people: When commenting on threads of messages, it can be easy to let your thoughts and opinions get the better of you and end up arguing with someone over contrasting views. Different opinions are fine; that is what makes the internet so great, but it is considered bad netiquette to insult other people because of their opinion. This behavior can result in you being banned from the social media platform all together.

It is important to recognize that bad netiquette can have consequences for you personally and professionally; therefore, it is sensible to carefully consider how you interact with others online.

Include context: When commenting on a message or conversation thread, it is good netiquette to include a relevant quote from the original message to give context to your comment.

Check, then click: Before you post a comment, double-check that you are saying exactly what you want to say. One small error can completely change the meaning of your message, so read and read again before sending.

We are only humans: Remember that an actual person with real feelings, beliefs, imperfections, and emotions is behind every message, email, or comment. It's sometimes easy to get carried away and write something that you would not dream of saying to someone's face. This can be mistaken for displaying bad netiquette or cyberbullying behavior.

Your message: Jokes, dark humor, and sarcasm are often difficult to convey over the internet. So to avoid potential misunderstandings, always indicate the humorous nature of your comment. You could do this by using emoticons, putting "lol" (laugh out loud) at the end of the message, or by starting with a phrase like, "On a lighter note..."

Newbies: We were all once new to social media, gaming online, emails, messaging, and forums, so always try and help someone new who is making mistakes. (If you are new, check out our 'What is Netiquette?' guide for more information.).

Don't spam: It is normal to want to be noticed in the crowd of people on social media, but spamming (another word for sending the same or similar messages lots of times) can be annoying and may have the opposite effect!

Be yourself: If you want to get the most out of communicating online, be yourself. Making up false profiles and alter-egos will only discourage people from talking openly with you and taking you seriously. Remember that most trolls and cyberbullies use false profiles, so be careful not to be mistaken for one.

Express yourself: Don't be afraid to express yourself openly and honestly. Netiquette is not about restricting expression but about making it easier for people to understand.

Allow others to express themselves too: Remember that everybody has an opinion, so allow them to express it. You may have to agree to disagree on many issues, but just make your point and move on. Don't let a simple difference of opinion escalate into an argument.

Don't SHOUT: Avoid writing whole words or sentences in capital letters. This is equivalent to someone SCREAMING IN YOUR EAR!

Respect people's privacy: Don't pass on another person's private information or photos unless you have their permission. Not only is this bad netiquette, but you may also be accused of cyberbullying, doxing, or online harassment.

Avoid conflict: Trading insults and abuse is bad netiquette. It is pointless and negative, and it could get you banned from the platform or community. Avoid being drawn into fights, and never post abusive content on social media; this will result in your accounts being suspended.

These are just a handful of examples of how you can use the internet in a positive way, ensuring that people who come into contact with you are left with a good impression.