Ethics in the space of network communication

Online communication is just as important as face-to-face interactions. In a fast-paced online and work-from-home culture, it is necessary to know and follow the ethics of networking.

Network etiquette or netiquette is a combination of the words "networking" and "etiquette" and is defined as professional and social rules of etiquette that are practiced and promoted in electronic communication in any computer network. Similarly, online ethics focuses on the acceptable use of online resources in an online social environment.

Both phrases are often used interchangeably and are often combined with the concept of "netizen," which is itself an abbreviation of the words "internet" and "citizen" and refers to both a person who uses the internet to participate in society and a person who has taken responsibility for using the internet in a productive and socially responsible way.

The need for netiquette

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to online communication is the lack of physical emotional cues. Mimic gestures indicate the mood and corresponding diction of the two interlocutors. During phone conversations, the tone of voice conveys the emotions of the person on the other line. However, in chat rooms, instant messaging apps, and text messages, there are no signals that indicate a person's tone of words or emotions.

Because of this, some interesting fixes have been made, with perhaps the two most frequent ways to compensate are through the use of emojis and acronyms. The emojis started by using punctuation marks to try to replicate simple emotions. For example, combining colons and parentheses to create an emoji symbol that indicates a person's happiness or satisfaction. These symbols have evolved into images that today we increasingly know as emoticons and that have become popular, especially with the use of WhatsApp, although they are present on all social networks.

What does good web etiquette look like?

There are several core elements behind this general concept of socially responsible use of the internet, although the details behind each element are still a matter of debate.

For society

  • Recognition that the Internet is an extension of society. The Internet is not a new world in which everything happens, but rather a new dimension of the world around us.
  • Applying the same standards online as in public. Simply put, this means that society's values against hate speech and bigotry, child exploitation, copyright infringement, and other forms of theft remain unchanged. We should also adhere to values such as politeness, kindness, openness, and treating others with the same respect we want.
  • Refraining from online abuse and harassment. Whereas, the laws that are currently in place to protect the rights and dignity of citizens are enforced online, and that laws are updated where necessary to reflect these rights in an expanded environment. Stealing, harassment, and online bullying remain theft, bullying, and bullying, period.
  • Recognition of cultural differences. Even when national borders no longer apply, cultural respect and tolerance must be maintained. To do this, we need to find a way to recognize that the social values and norms of some netizens will not be the social values and norms of all netizens.
  • For Enterprises

    • Respect for the privacy rights of employees working offline. The information that citizens have when they interact offline should be respected.
    • Ensuring transparency of information policy. By taking steps to ensure that consumers can easily and quickly understand how this company uses their information and protect them from harm, companies can provide users with clear means of ownership and self-determination about what is shared about them and what is not, as well as what strengthens consumer relationships.
    • Basic rules of netiquette

      Poor netiquette can have serious consequences for your reputation or interpersonal relationships. So remember – the rules of etiquette are just as important online as they are in real life. Follow these few rules of netiquette to ensure a seamless virtual experience.

      Be careful about what you type

      One of the basic rules of netiquette is to think before writing something. This includes using people's names correctly, avoiding negative remarks just because we can't see the person reading them, and using the right emojis. Don't get too sloppy online. Depending on your audience, you need to keep your tone in mind. So before you write or use emojis, think twice. Also, proofread your emails and online content to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. This is perhaps the most important rule of netiquette.

      Behave as you would in the real world

      When communicating online, never ignore another person's messages or close the chat suddenly. This is one of the golden rules of netiquette. Now that most of us are working from home, following the basic rules of netiquette is more important than ever. Prepare for online discussions and look presentable. Working online means you're not judged by your appearance, but that's no reason to look sloppy in meetings.

      Respect the privacy of others

      Another important netiquette rule for online etiquette is to value the privacy of others. Obtaining confidential information comes with responsibility. Forwarding a message or image can be very tempting and easy, but you should never compromise the privacy of your friend, colleague, or company. Never divulge confidential information in cyberspace without permission. And share information only with those who are concerned.

      Avoid plagiarism

      One of the biggest dangers of being in cyberspace is copyright infringement. This is a rule of netiquette for students, professionals, and anyone who uses the internet. Do not use someone else's words, images or information without permission and a link to the source. Copying and pasting is easy when browsing the web, especially when you have access to so much information. Take it a step further and specify the source.

      Explore

      Whether you're working online or hosting workplace meetings, make sure you have evidence of the facts you're sharing. The internet is full of misleading information, and it is your responsibility to verify the validity of what you share. Sharing sources of information is a good practice in this regard. In most cases, people will take your word for it, so you may be guilty of spreading incorrect information. And if someone finds out that your facts are wrong, you will lose face and credibility.

      Think twice before posting photos

      One of the basic rules of netiquette states that you should avoid posting or sharing non-professional photos with friends or colleagues. The same rule applies to those who have access to the company's social media platforms. Posting unprofessional or inappropriate photos can put people or a company in a bad light.

      Always use your professional email address for official communication

      If you work from home, send work emails using your official email address. If you don't have an official email, use a personal email that sounds professional. You won't be taken seriously if your email has credentials like "cute girl" or "handsome." This will leave a bad impression of you in front of the recipient of the mail.

      Use a signature block in official mails

      Never forget to add a signature block at the end of the official communication. It should contain details such as company name, contact details, name, and department. If you don't use these rules of netiquette, it can be a major source of conflict and miscommunication in online conversations.

      Use humor and sarcasm when appropriate

      Humor, which largely depends on facial expressions, is often lost in written conversation. But you can show wit and not seem offensive. Use humor once you've gotten to know the recipient a little bit and know they'll appreciate it. However, if you're not sure about it, it's best to maintain a formal tone.

      Always report abusive content and illegal activities

      The cyber world is full of abusive language, bullying, harassment, and theft. You may even encounter illegal activities or practices such as piracy. Report these behaviors immediately, whether it happens to you or someone else. If it is workplace-related, please report it to the HR department.

      The ethical rules of online communication dictate what stylish and respectful behavior on the Internet should be. How to speak politely without engaging in disrespect or bullying is one of the main reasons we need netiquette rules.

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