Netiquette: The Unwritten Rules of Internet Behavior

The internet has become an indispensable aspect of our daily lives. Studies indicate that almost 50% of internet users cannot go a day without it because of its vast information, communication tools, and entertainment. Nevertheless, as accessing the internet has become easier, many individuals tend to overlook basic etiquette principles. Like real-life situations, practicing proper online etiquette is crucial for maintaining a positive online reputation. When I was a child, I read a valuable book called “Courtesy for Boys and Girls,” which taught me how to interact and treat others properly. It used to be a requirement in schools, but it seems that this generation lacks such guidance, resulting in many people not knowing the appropriate ways to communicate and interact with others, regardless of where they are. In this article, we will delve into some of the unwritten rules that govern internet etiquette.

1. Respect others’ privacy – We live in a generation where there is the abundance of data, and with little a dig, you could easily find personal information about people, and they won’t know you do. However, the fact that you can get access to people’s information with ease doesn’t mean you have to use it against them. So, respect people’s privacy and do not share their personal information without their consent.
2. Use appropriate language – With the mindset of exhibiting freedom of speech, a lot of us throw all caution to the wind go all out expressing ourselves in a way that makes us feel good. But never forget that your freedom ends where another’s begin. We need to respect each other on the internet and avoid using profanity, slurs, and offensive language that can offend others. He who talks too much talks nonsense – An African Proverb!
3. Be polite and respectful – Respect is reciprocal, hence if you want to be respected on these internet streets, you got to treat others with the same respect you would want to be treated with. Be mindful of what and how you say it.
4. Think before you post – Words have power, they can cause and stop wars. So, before you go out expressing yourself, take a moment to think about the impact of your words before posting them online. A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress, so don’t be the reason why someone goes through any form of stress on the internet.
5. Avoid trolling – An African proverb says, “He that beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad man himself”, so examine what you say online carefully. Do not engage in trolling or bullying behavior towards others online. Bullies are cowards because they only get power at other people’s expense. So don’t be a coward!
6. Use proper grammar and spelling – Unfortunately the use of pidgin language is affecting our ability to string good sentences. A recent report stated that the use of shorthand and pidgin English caused a lot of students to fail the English paper in WASSCE. Therefore, ensure that your messages and posts are grammatically correct and spelled accurately.
7. Do not spam – Short, concise and compelling messages are better received than long unnecessary ones. So, think through how to say so much in a few words whenever you think of posting content. Avoid sending unwanted or repeated messages, posts, or emails.
8. Do not plagiarize – Avoid copying and pasting content from other sources without giving proper credit. Plagiarism can cause you to lose your credibility or put your character in question. A couple of African leaders have been criticized for plagiarizing other people’s speeches and one must do all they can to avoid treading in such quarters because you may not be able to defend yourself everywhere when your credibility takes a hit.
9. Respect intellectual property – Intellectual property laws are some of the most overlooked laws on the internet these days, but it’s all rosy until the content owner gets a lightbulb moment when they realize there is so much to gain from suing you. Do not use copyrighted material on the internet without permission, please. Be yourself, be original, own your stuff on these internet streets.
10. Avoid spreading rumors – These days, we have prioritized speed over quality of news or content shared on the internet. Statistics show that $78 billion was lost yearly due to misinformation and fake news. So don’t be too quick to report when you haven’t verified the information. Unverified information or rumors can cause harm or damage to others; be your brother’s keeper.
11. Be careful with humor – Nobody says don’t make jokes online but remember that some jokes are very expensive. Can you pay for it if your joke comes back to bite you in the butt? Kindly avoid using sarcasm or humor that can be misinterpreted online. You can control what you say but not how it is received, so be careful.
12. Avoid oversharing – Social media is gradually turning us into people who care less about privacy. We post literally everything about our lives, from the time we wake up to the time we sleep and when bad people get hold of such information, they use it against us. It’s all fun and games until you are attacked or lose something precious. Do not share personal information that can compromise your privacy or security.
13. Use appropriate social media platforms – There are too many social media platforms than you can imagine, but you don’t have to have a presence on all of them. More than one in three adults (38%) see social media use as harmful and 48% of the millennials worry about the negative effects of social media on their physical & mental health. While many of us enjoy staying connected on social media, excessive use can fuel feelings of addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and fear of missing out (FOMO). So, only use social media platforms that are appropriate for your age and interests.
14. Be careful with online relationships – Though people have met their soulmates online, 41% of online relationships do not last and 55% of those who started relationships online have experienced some form of threat or problem while dating online. Moreover, people that use online dating are twice as likely to experience an IT security incident than people that don’t. Therefore, avoid sharing personal information or photos with people you do not know well and save yourself from physical or digital exploitation.
15. Do not feed the trolls – It has been assumed that trolls are just naturally nasty people being themselves online, but according to Cornell research, what makes a troll is a combination of a bad mood and the bad example of other trolls. If you’ve been on the internet for a long time, you may have encountered or engaged a troll. But honestly, trolls are only fueled when engaged, hence, do not engage in arguments or debates with trolls or people who are looking to provoke others. Ignoring them reduces their power and influence, and they will eventually die off.

Internet etiquette is essential in maintaining a positive online presence and fostering healthy online relationships. By following these rules, you can ensure that you are using the internet in a responsible and respectful manner. Remember, the internet is a powerful tool that can connect us to people all over the world, and it is up to us to use it in a way that promotes positivity and respect for others.