Basic Netiquette-Definition
Basic Netiquette is defined as “controversial requirements as to social
behavior; properties of conduct as established in any class or community or for
any occasion.”
10 Core Rules of Netiquette
1. Remember the human.
2. Adhere to the same behavior online that you follow in real life.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace.
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
5. Make yourself look good online.
6. Share expert knowledge.
7. Help keep flame wars under control.
8. Respect other people’s privacy.
9. Don’t abuse your power.
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistake.
Netiquette of Sending
“Think before you click” remains the golden rule in initiating and
sustaining in digital world. As creators and senders of information, netizens
should follow certain rules.
Sending Email
Message Headers
When sending an email, always fill up the message header properly. In
the To field, make sure you enter the right email address of your recipient/s.
There is also a cc and a bcc, to copy furnish other recipients with the same
email. You can enter as many addresses in these data fields but the addresses
of recipients using bcc will not be displayed in the actual email. Keep in mind
that when you send an email to a cc, the intended original recipients in the To
field will see their addresses. Unless your email is urgent and requires
everyone’s attention, the number of recipients must be limited. Fill up the
subject line to let the recipient know what the email is about.
Body
In composing message, don’t forget the salutation. The use of “Dear” is
acceptable for both social and business letters provided that you supply the
appropriate title and the name of the recipient. For more formal emails, use the
title and the last name of the recipient. Never use “To Whom It May Concern” in
business emails. If you are uncertain of the name of the recipient, you may use
the company name.
Wrap up your message/s by expressing your extended response to it. If
you are sending a message to your boss or your teacher, write that you are
seeking “guidance”, “advise”, and “approval” of your communication.
End your message by thanking the recipient as well. Choose a simple
readable font when writing an email.
Attachments
There are times when you need to attach documents, photos, or videos to
your messages. Know the file size and the file type that you need to send and
take note of how the recipient will be able to access the file. Make sure mention
in your message that you have attached a file in the email.
Sending messages on Social Media
When sending messages through social media, some of the basic
concepts in sending an email apply. Be polite and concise in the messages that
you compose.
Netiquette of Replying
Replying on E-mail
It is good practice to reply important emails promptly, especially those
that need your attention immediately. Replies should be brief and concise,
unless the original message demands an explanation. It should lead to answers
and actions. If the message was sent to a group, reply directly to the sender
unless you have a very good reason to include everyone in your reply.
Replying on Social Media
Replying on social media is a less formal setting for conversations, but
there are still some rules of etiquette that must be followed.
1. Refrain from personal abuse. You may express robust disagreement with
what somebody says, but don’t call them names or threaten them with
personal violence.
2. Remember that your posts are public. They can be read by your partner,
your children, your parents, or your employer.
3. Stay on-topic, especially when you’re new. Don’t post about football in a
hair-care forum or about hair-care in gardening forum.
When replying or making a comment, be sure to read the
messages/posts thoroughly first to get an idea of the tone and topic of the
group discussion. This helps you get better sense of how to contribute to the
discussion.
Netiquette of Confidentiality
Technology has given netizens access to information belonging to other
people. This includes photos, videos, and data. If one is not careful about their
social media settings, personal information might be shared without them
knowing it. Even without permission, one may screenshot and share someone
else’s photo.
Asking Permission
Remember that while messages, data, photos, and videos may have been
shared by some people publicly, this does not mean that you can freely use or
share these content. The best way to know is to ask permission. Take note that
copyright restrictions that might limit your use of the work.
Sharing Private Information
Refrain from sharing other people’s email address, their home addresses,
telephone numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal information.
Such information, if accessed by the wrong people, can do others harm.
Government agencies and private companies have separate strict
confidentiality rules. All the information that they acquire is not to be shared
with anyone.
