Netiquette: Code of Ethics for Communication in Cyberspace
What is Netiquette?
If media platforms such as radio and television have their own broadcasting code of ethics, online media or social media also have their own code of ethics called netiquette. Netiquette stands for network etiquette, which means ethics for communicating in cyberspace. Netiquette discusses politeness and manners to interact on the internet, such as when sending messages, chatting, tweeting on Twitter, updating status on Facebook, writing comments on online media postings, etc.
Netiquette is Important!
Here are some objectives of communicating on the internet using netiquette:
- Showing respect to other internet users which come from all around the globe with different cultures, languages, and habits.
- Protecting personal information and being aware because internet users are allowed to interact without using their true identity or even anonymously.
- Avoiding conflicts and building a positive relationship between internet users.
- Being responsible for all the activities that you, as an internet user, do on the internet.
- Sharing and receiving positive impacts, such as useful knowledge, between internet users.
Core Rules of Netiquette
Adapted from Virginia Shea’s The Core Rules of Netiquette (1994), here are 10 rules of netiquette:
Remember the Human
When communicating electronically, do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Remember, your written words are read by real people, all deserving of respectful communication.
Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life
While it can be argued that standards of behavior may be different in the virtual world, they certainly should not be lower. You should do your best to act within the laws and ethical manners of society whenever you inhabit “cyberspace.”
Know where you are in cyberspace
“Netiquette varies from domain to domain.” (Shea, 1994) Depending on where you are in the virtual world, the same written communication can be acceptable in one area, where it might be considered inappropriate in another.
Respect other people’s time and bandwidth
Electronic communication takes time: time to read and time in which to respond. As a virtual world communicator, make your written communication meaningful and to the point to make sure that the time spent reading your words isn’t wasted.
Make yourself look good online
You might be judged by the quality of your writing, so keep the following tips in mind:
- Always check for spelling and grammar errors
- Know what you’re talking about and state it clearly
- Be pleasant and polite
Share expert knowledge
The Internet offers its users many benefits; one is the ease in which information can be shared or accessed and in fact, this “information sharing” capability is one of the reasons the Internet was founded. So in the spirit of the Internet’s “founding fathers,” share what you know!
Help keep flame wars under control
What is meant by “flaming” and “flame wars?” “Flaming is what people do when they express a strongly held opinion without holding back any emotion.” (Shea, 1994). Don’t feed the flames; extinguish them by guiding the discussion back to a more productive direction.
Respect other people’s privacy
Just as you expect others to respect your privacy, so should you respect the privacy of others. Be sure to know the side of caution when deciding to discuss or not to discuss virtual communication.
Don’t abuse your power
Just remember: knowing more than others do or having more power than others may have does not give you the right to take advantage of anyone.
Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes
Not everyone has the same amount of experience working in the virtual world and knows the rules of netiquette. If it’s a minor “offense,” you might want to let it slide. If you feel compelled to respond to a mistake, do so in a private email rather than a public forum.
References
Romli, A. (2013, March 17). Netiket — Etika Komunikasi di Internet. Retrieved from Komunikasi UIN Bandung: https://komunikasi.uinsgd.ac.id/netiket-etika-komunikasi-di-internet/
Shea, V. (1994). Netiquette. San Francisco: Albion Books.
Waryanto, N. H. (2006). Etika Berkomunikasi di Dunia Maya dengan Netiquette. SEMNAS Matematika dan Pend. Matematika 2006, 344.
Yuk, Belajar Netiket Agar Tak Dicap Kurang Beradab. (2021, April 22). Retrieved from AsiaQuest Indonesia: https://aqi.co.id/news/yuk-belajar-netiket-agar-tak-dicap-kurang-beradab
