Netiquette

 Netiquette rules dictate what tasteful and respectful online behavior is.  How to speak respectfully without taking part in disrespect or bullying is among the main reasons why we need netiquette guidelines.

1. Be Careful With Your Tone

While an online conversation with friends doesn’t necessarily require much thought, the same doesn’t go for when you are having a conversation with professors and peers from other European countries. You should be careful with capitalization, as writing in ALL-CAPS can oftentimes be interpreted as YELLING! and will be viewed as impolite. Similarly, a joke can oftentimes be perceived as a rude remark. This is why you have to make sure that your point doesn’t get lost in translation.

2. Be Accurate and  Factual

The internet is a vast place with information coming from all sorts of sources. This is why you should be careful when providing information. It’s important to fact-check everything you read and possibly include sources when giving advice or information.

3. Don’t Use Sarcasm Freely

While in person, we communicate with the help of facial expressions and gestures. Conveying the same message online can prove more challenging. This is especially true when it comes to sarcastic humor, as it usually isn’t possible to transmit the tone of voice when using text.

A light-hearted joke can be viewed differently in the text. You will need to be careful about making the intent behind your words as clear as possible, which is why sarcasm is off-limits most times.

4. Be as Polite as You Are In Person

A key part of netiquette is only typing what you would be comfortable with saying to someone’s face. Hence being respectful and polite to others should be part of your communications online.

And remember,  If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it online either.

5. Use Proper  Grammar and Punctuation

Many people tend to forget the rules that apply to writing when communicating online. However, resorting to proper grammar and punctuation can make the message seem more professional and thought out. Not only does it make your text more readable, but it can also prepare you for professional writing that you might do in the future.

6. Stay on Topic

Make sure that you understand what the discussion is about and only reply with things relevant to it. This can prove helpful to both you and the others.

7. Remember That Nothing Is Private Online

Never post personal information or photos without the permission of those involved in the communication. Be careful when sharing information, and never share anything about a student or a professor without their consent.

Remember that we live in a day and age where many things take place online, and building an online presence is just as important as the real-life one. That being said, there is no ‘real privacy’ on the internet, and you should handle what you share wisely.

8. Make Clear and Brief Points

Unlike face-to-face interactions, taking too long to get to a point can result in the message getting lost in the text. Hence it is best to use short and clear sentences when trying to explain something. It gets the point across more effectively and leaves less room for misunderstandings.

9. Respect People’s Privacy

Treat others’ privacy the same way you would want some to handle your private information. You shouldn’t give the personal information of your classmates and professors online to anyone.

10. Use Your Professors’ Proper Titles

Although using the proper title for your professor should be understood, many people tend to forget it once they are online. As a result, a certain amount of formality is a vital part of netiquette guidelines for students. Unless, the professor states otherwise, you should always refer to them professionally.

11. Respect Others’ Opinions

You should be aware that you’re not always going to agree with the opinions of your peers or professors. However, keep in mind that you should always be respectful in discussions. You can disagree with someone and respect their opinions at the same time.

Although posting online carries a level of anonymity and distance that traditional classes don’t, that shouldn’t serve as a reason to not be kind to someone. So, respect others’ views and refrain from belittling opinions that are different from yours. You can disagree with someone, of course, but be sensitive and do that respectfully.

 

12. Don’t Overuse the Twinspace

You should know to only use the discussion forums when your text is going to be relevant to the topic you’re discussing. It’s not advisable to use it as a tool for chatting with fellow students about irrelevant matters.

So instead, use them to ask relevant questions, participate in discussions, or answer when the professor asks.

13. Submit Assignments Carefully

You shouldn’t attach files for which you are not sure if the other person will be able to open. Additionally, you should follow specific instructions your professor gives about assignments.

The online community has its own set of rules that are referred to as netiquette. There are many things that online students should keep in mind, such as tone of voice, accuracy, proper grammar, privacy, etc. Being familiar with the unwritten rules of the internet and guidelines for interacting online can prove helpful with any online communication you have. For the most part, you should remember to be respectful and fact-check your information.