Netiquette Principles and How I Would Uphold Them:
Be Respectful of Others:
How I’ll Uphold It: Whether it's through email, chat, or video conferences, I’ll ensure that my tone is polite, constructive, and respectful. This applies to both the content and the way I express myself. It’s easy to misunderstand written messages since we lack tone of voice or body language, so I’ll aim for clarity and kindness.
Classroom Comparison: This is similar to respecting others in a physical classroom. In both settings, mutual respect ensures a positive and productive environment.
Use Clear, Concise Language:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll make sure to communicate my thoughts clearly without using jargon or overly complicated language, and I’ll be concise so others can easily understand. This is especially important in an online setting where there can be delays or distractions.
Classroom Comparison: Just like how you would raise your hand in a classroom and explain your point directly, online, clarity is key to avoid miscommunication.
Think Before You Post:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll make sure to pause and reflect before sharing any message, image, or video. This applies to both public and private communication. Once something is shared online, it’s hard to take back, and I don’t want to contribute to negativity or spread misinformation.
Classroom Comparison: In a physical classroom, we often have a chance to think before responding to a teacher or peer, but online, that reflection is even more important because the content can last forever and may be shared widely.
Be Aware of Tone:
How I’ll Uphold It: Because we can’t see facial expressions or hear tone of voice, I’ll ensure my language conveys the right emotion. I'll avoid sarcasm or any language that could be taken as hostile, as tone can be easily misinterpreted online.
Classroom Comparison: In the classroom, body language, facial expressions, and vocal tone help convey how we feel, but online, I’ll pay extra attention to how my words might be perceived.
Respect Privacy:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll avoid sharing personal information, both my own and others’, without consent. I’ll also respect the privacy of others in online discussions or chats.
Classroom Comparison: This is no different from the classroom setting. Just as we wouldn’t share private information about our classmates in person, we should respect their privacy online as well.
Use Proper Grammar and Spelling:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll strive to use proper grammar and spelling, making it easier for others to read and understand my messages. Mistakes happen, but taking the time to proofread shows respect for others’ time.
Classroom Comparison: Just like writing a formal essay in class, clear communication in writing is just as important online. Using proper grammar ensures we convey professionalism and respect.
Be Patient and Understanding:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll remember that not everyone has the same internet speed, technology, or experience. I’ll be patient when others need extra time to respond or encounter technical difficulties.
Classroom Comparison: This is like waiting for a classmate to respond during a discussion or allowing them time to express their thoughts without interrupting. Online communication can sometimes take longer, so patience is key.
Avoid Spamming or Overposting:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll make sure not to flood others with excessive messages or irrelevant content. I’ll stick to the topic at hand and contribute in meaningful ways.
Classroom Comparison: In the classroom, spamming might be like constantly interrupting or raising your hand too frequently. It disrupts the flow of conversation, and online, it does the same.
Respect Copyright and Intellectual Property:
How I’ll Uphold It: I’ll always give credit where it’s due. If I share someone else’s work, I’ll properly cite it or seek permission, ensuring I respect intellectual property laws.
Classroom Comparison: This is like citing sources in an academic paper. Respecting intellectual property is important in both physical and online environments.
How These Netiquettes Differ from Classroom Respect:
Physical Presence:
In a classroom, respect is often shown through body language, eye contact, and vocal tone. In an online setting, that’s replaced by how we structure our messages, use emojis, or present ourselves in videos.
Time Sensitivity:
In a physical classroom, we are bound by class time and schedule, whereas online interactions can happen asynchronously, meaning we have more time to think and respond. However, this also means we have to be more mindful of how quickly we expect others to reply or the delay that might occur.
Increased Focus on Written Communication:
In the classroom, most communication is verbal, which means tone and body language play a significant role. Online, written communication becomes the main form of interaction, so extra care must be taken to avoid misinterpretation.
Less Immediate Feedback:
In the classroom, feedback is usually immediate, whether it's from a teacher or classmates. In online environments, especially asynchronous ones, responses may be delayed, requiring more patience and understanding.
Anonymity:
Online environments may offer a level of anonymity, which sometimes leads people to forget the importance of respectful behavior. In a classroom, this is less of an issue because we’re often interacting face-to-face. Netiquette, however, emphasizes that we maintain the same level of respect even when we’re behind a screen.