Digital Etiquette
Digital
Etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes referred to, is a basic set of
rules pertaining to behaviour that’s needs to be followed to ensure the
Internet is better for all users.
Basically is means “the use of good manners in online communication such
as email, forums, blogs, and social networking sites”. (Digital Citizenship,
Aubrun University. [s.a.]).
The word
‘Etiquette’ means “The forums required by good breeding or prescribed by
authority in social or official life.” There are ten points of netiquette:
1) Netiquette is important because when
people communicate face-to-face, it is important to note that 55% of the
communication is made up of body language, 38% is the tone of voice, with the
remaining 7% being the actual words (Thompson, 2011).
2) When communicating on a phone, people
lose the body language component but the tone is still there to support the
message.
3) Communicating online, or in the
written form, we lose 93% of the communication; the words become the sole
medium of communication.
4) People need to also be aware that the
etiquette rules may differ somewhat depending on the context.
5) People’s language and approach will
most certainly differ depending on the audience, environment and situation.
6) People would not SMS a friend
stating, “Further to our conversation, herewith the details for the gathering
planned”, nor would we email out boss saying “Thks dude, catcha 18er at the
party”.
7) Netiquette is even more important
when people consider the duration and the reach of the communication.
8) A lack of netiquette can cause
substantial problems in the workplace and schooling. Although there has been a
reduction in poor netiquette, it is still an issue that has ramifications
beyond socially acceptable norms.
9) Any disregard for netiquette can break
down with a single email, post or online comment.
10) A
brands reputation is everything, where a positive brand image can actually sway
buying decisions.
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