You are entering a new universe, cyberspace. In order to survive in this new culture, you must adhere to its rules and social norms. As in every culture, everyone is expected to encounter some blunders, but knowing the rules before you embark upon this new world will help you become a successful member of the online community. Netiquette is simply the etiquette of cyberspace. As people conduct themselves properly in public, you should be expected to maintain the same conduct on the internet.
Below is a set of rules for behaving properly online for secondary students:
1. Treat others as you are expected to be treated.
Although you cannot see the people you are communicating and interacting with online, they are still people and have feelings and emotions just like you. When chatting with someone online, keep in mind that would you say the same things to a persons face as you would through chat rooms or instant messaging.
2. Look before you leap.
Before you go into a chat room that is discussing a particular matter or event, it's a good idea to look around and explore before you begin putting your input in a chat room or posting responses in newsgroups, blogs, or web discussions. Try to not offend anyone and know what kind of atmosphere you are in before you begin voicing your concern.
3. Time is valuable.
In an ever-changing world, our time is precious and it is always a good idea not to waste people's time. When you send people email, an instant message, or post an article in a discussion group, people are obligated to read what you have sent or contributed. By sending unnecessary emails such as forwards or jokes, you are taking up people's valuable time.
4. Try to be liked.
As most people in society interact with one another, people who communicate on the web just really want to be liked. Perhaps one of the greatest things about the world wide web is that you can remain completely anonymous, and therefore won't be judged by the color of your skin, age, sex, dress, appearance, or ethnicity. You do not have to provide anyone with any information about yourself, if you chose to, it is completely your decision. It is also highly recommended that it every instance do not give out personal information such as phone numbers and addresses and only use credit cards in secure locations.
5. Be nice to people.
Do you enjoy people using offensive and profane language in your presence? Probably not and most people also do not enjoy such language. Keep the human you are talking to in mind and don't needlessly offend anyone.
6. Make sense in what you are talking about.
Make sense in what you are talking about. When you post something, lots of people are more than likely to come across it and read it. Do not start talking about matters and issues that you have not a clue about, know your expertise and your limits of knowledge. Also try to make sense in spelling, grammar and clarity for all of your web-postings, emails, and instant messages. Avoid that awful instant messenger jargon and abbreviations.
7. What's out there is not always the best.
The internet is also filled with lots of evils. When working in the computer lab at school, many "bad and inappropriate" sites are blocked by the network, but that doesn't mean you may still not run into things, since there are millions of websites on the internet. When working at school on the internet and you come across inappropriate material, notify a teacher or staff member immediately. There will be no disciplinary actions taken for a pure accident. If you are caught emailing or distributing inappropriate materials on the school's computers, however, you may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the school district's computer usage policy and regulation.
8. Respect people's privacy.
One of the unique aspects of the internet is being completely anonymous. Having this feature of people not knowing your identity and you not knowing theirs, can be a good thing and bad thing. By being anonymous, you are respected by others and you should likewise respect them. Do not ask people for their personal information or very personal questions that they may feel uncomfortable answering.
9. People make mistakes.
Everyone is indeed human and we all make mistakes. If you come across incorrect or invalid material or information on the internet, your best bet is to privately email the web site's author or manager and notify them of the error. By posting it publicly in a guest book or discussion panel, you may cause this person embarrassment and hurt their feelings.
10. Share the wealth.
After all of this negativity comes a
final remark. The internet is successful by its numbers, the interaction
of people in vast numbers from every corner of the world. When you see
information posted or information being exchanged in a chat room, do not be
afraid to share what you know. Sharing your knowledge is fun. It's a long-time
net tradition. And it makes the world a better place.
J. E. Yasinskas.
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