NETIQUETTE
This module contains the basic rules of netiquette or network etiquette in aiming for a
harmonious relationship among users.
Defining Netiquette
Netiquette or network etiquette/internet etiquette refers to the set of rules guidelines
and practices in keeping the polite and appropriate and attitude of people in the internet.
To retain the harmonious relationship among users of the internet netiquette is required
knowledge. Although they are not physical present you have to remember that there are
real people are behind user accounts/ to keep the cyberspace culture user-friendly and a
pleasant experience for its user you need to learn the basic rules of netiquette.
Basic rules of netiquette
Ross 2011 has enumerated the basic rules of netiquette. These are the following.
1. Remember the human. This rule is rooted from the golden rule we have been
thought from when we were children:” do to others what you want them to do to
you”. You have the exhibit empathy in interacting with fellow users of the internet.
Put yourself in their shoes and think twice about doing things that could possibly
hurt another person’s feelings. Internet communication heavily relies on your
words because they can’t see your face, facial expressions gestures and tone voice.
Misinterpretation and misunderstanding may occur once in a while due to this.
Despite the need for freedom to express yourself online the itch to explore new
things always be guided by the knowledge that there are real people out there.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behaviour online that you follow in real life. Treat
online as just another place in the world where you have the chance to interact
with people you barely know. Most assume that the chances of getting caught on
cyberspace is little to nothing. Take note to avoid spreading false information.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace. Like how there are differing rules of etiquette in
places and events you should know where you’re in cyberspace so you’d know how
to appropriately act. An online institution.
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth. Your work primarily on your own when
accessing cyberspace. However that does not mean you are the center of
cyberspace. For ex. , here in an online institution , be aware that you’re the only
student and not not the only one who has concerns. Don not expect instantaneous
replies to your questions especially if they need through understanding before
arriving at a response. In sending only put the people or departments concerned.
5. Make yourself look good online. Don’t use language. Always remember to be
pleasant and polite.
6. Share expert knowledge. The internet was initially founded and spread throughout
the world for the sake of sharing information across borders. If there is something
you know that some people don’t share it with them, as much as possible if it’s
possible if it’s absolutely necessary. Many people turn to the internet nowadays to
easily search for answers to their questions and your contribution in the field know
would be helpful.
7. Help keep flame wars under control. Flaming according to Stewart 2015 is the act of
sending someone an outrageously insulting message whether by private email or
public posting usually because you disagree with something they have wares as it
will start discord among groups.
8. Respect other people privacy. At this age when reaching a loved one or an
acquaintance is possible with just click we still have to maintain reasonable spaces
between us. We must respect a persons right to privacy and avoid prying into his or
her account , files and documents.
9. Don’t abuse your power. System administrator must learn not to take advantage of
hierarchy of roles. Respect begets respect and administrators of websites and
platforms do not have the authority to peek into private emails, messages and files.
10. Be forgiving of other peoples mistakes. Before we reached this point of knowledgein
cyberspace, we have all been new bees and have all been clueless of this new
concept of internet.maybe there are still things we don’t know about cyberspace
considering its depth. Be kind about pointing as possible out errors eben minor
one. Do it theough private messege as much as possible. Everyone make mistakes
every once in a while as things still slip our minds.
Other netiquette rules:
Don’t plagiarize. Even if the material is on the web, properly credit its source
and ask for permission.
Avoid spamming as it can cause either a disturbance or irritation
Avoid overusing emoticons especially in emails institutions.
Establishing contact with the university through email
One of the most basic modes of communication between instructors the student support
and the students of the online university is through email. In the event of concerns
needing immediate response you may compose a letter to send to the concerned
department.
Although email is considered less formal than academic writing it is eqally important to
observe proper composition in writing your email directed to the institutuion.
Recine 2015 has given the following guidelines in composing an email to your university
staff, officials and faculty that will convey respect and formality:
1. Use the last name of the recipient with the formal title ( such as Mr , Ms or Mrs) in
your following the word “DEAR” this is to properly identify who you are trying to
address in the letter while also conveying to the addressee.
2. Avoid the usual wordy academic writing letting the university official and faculty
know you concern as it’s not considered appropriate for email. Get straight to the
point and specify our concern if needed. Keep it concise but still wholly informative.
3. Avoid using conversational or slang words. It is informal to use these words in
conversation with your instructor or university official.
4. Use complete sentences in stating your concern. Writing in fragments and
incomplete sentences may be interpreted as rude or too informal.
5. Be polite and express your gratitude in the shortest way possible.
6. If its absolutely necessary to copy a number of people in the email make sure that
the number is at its minimum. Make sure that the email addresses copied into the
email are directly concerned with your email.
Commonly utilized netiquette rules
o Do not use offensive language. Present ideas appropriately
o Be cautious in using internet language, for example, do not capitalize all letters
since this suggest shouting.
o Popular emoticons such as J or L can be helpful to convey your tone but do not
overdo or overuse them.
o Avoid using vernacular and or slang language. This could possibly lead to
misinterpretation.
Keep an “open mind” abd be willing to express even your minority opinion. Minority
opinions have to be respected.
o Think and edit before you push the “send” button.
o Do not hesitate to ask for feedback.
o Using humor is acceptable but be careful that it is not misinterpret for ex , are you
being humorous or sarcastic?
o Be reminded that support staff answering student quires may be mentors and
teachers for other courses. Be mindful of your language.
