Meaning of netiquette (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Netiquette:

Netiquette are the basic rules of behavior must be put into practice when using the internet.

The term netiqueta is a Spanish translation of the term netiquette , which in turn is a word made up of etiquette (etiquette, in French), and net (red, internet).

The word netiquette was first used in the " Netiquette Guidelines " ("Guidelines netiquette"), a set of rules for good behavior online created and published in 1995 by the organization Internet Engineering Task Force (Task Force Engineering Internet), responsible for creating standards for the proper functioning of the network.

Although netiquette rules are not mandatory, the idea is to put them into practice to make the internet a friendly, safe and reliable place for all users.

In fact, as many of these guidelines are adaptations of existing social norms, many users abide by them, even though they may not be aware of good online behavior.

See also Internet.

Netiquette rules

These are some of the general guidelines for Internet etiquette:

Good education

Digital communications should always be preceded by good manners. Common expressions in offline coexistence are useful (and necessary) in the online world to make the exchange of ideas and information much more pleasant. Good morning, say hello, thank you, say goodbye, etc. are expressions of politeness and courtesy.

An example of netiquette in this case would be to send an email whose header is "Good morning", or the corresponding greeting.

Respect spelling

In the digital world it is much more complicated to understand the intention or the tone with which they are speaking to us, and this can lead to misunderstandings.

Using punctuation marks, writing correctly and even using emojis or resources that help contextualize the message is a rule that can help clarify the tone of the message.

An example of netiquette would be to avoid writing in capital letters. Not only is it unnecessary, but also in the digital world capital letters are interpreted as screaming.

See also Emoji.

Behavior similar to the offline world

For the digital world, a simple rule is suggested to apply before taking any action, especially if it has to do with making a comment, claim or affirmation. It is a matter of thinking if that action to be carried out would be done in the same way in the "real" world.

An example of netiquette, which also serves as an exercise is: if you are going to send an email with an aggressive claim, would you do the same if you were face to face with the recipient? If you are going to leave a comment in a mocking tone about someone, would the same be done in front of that person?

This rule is very important, because if all Internet users put it into practice it would help create a much more secure digital space.

Respect the rules of each community

It is not the same to participate in a kitchen recipe forum as in one of comics . Each community has its own rules for digital coexistence. Before participating in any of them, the ideal would be to understand the terms under which they are managed, so as not to say or do something inappropriate for that group.

There are online communities where participants are asked not to use vulgar language. That would be an example of netiquette.

Sharing knowledge

The netiquette suggests that if you are an expert in some subject, the ideal is to use the network to share what you have learned with those who do not have access to that type of knowledge or skills.

An example of netiquette is all the free tutorials and courses that can be found online, taught by experts in a specific area.

See also: E-learning.

Avoid controversy and the spread of fakes news

Internet etiquette recommends avoiding commenting or commenting on topics that are not mastered, as it contributes to creating more noise and disinformation. The same applies to false or unconfirmed news, and not only should they not be commented on, but they should also not be disseminated.

An example of netiquette would be to reject or not to spread WhatsApp chains with unconfirmed information.

See also Fake news .

Valuing the time and resources of others

Before sharing something over the internet, the ideal is to make sure it is concise, appropriate and brief. Consuming digital information requires not only the time of the person receiving the message, but also data or bandwidth.

An example of netiquette in this case is the short audio notes.

Help others

The netiquette advises that, as a rule of coexistence in the digital world, users help each other, especially when they do not understand how to handle the use of the internet.

This applies to older people who do not understand technology or to anyone who has difficulties in understanding the operation of the web or any specific tool (opening an email, filling out an online form, registering on a social network, etc.)

An example of netiquette are technology support forums in which experts help other users solve common problems with their computers or operating systems.

Respect for privacy

This netiquette standard is one of the most important. It refers to not sharing data or information of other people, especially if this exposes them in some way. It is unethical to share audiovisual material without the authorization of those who appear in it, nor their personal information or any other content without their consent.

An example of netiquette would be not reading the contents of others on shared computers or not forwarding photos of third parties without their permission.

Report inappropriate behavior

If a user is aware of any inappropriate behavior (dissemination of third-party images, digital harassment, etc.), he has the duty to report it to the competent authorities.

An example of netiquette are the reporting or blocking options of social networks, in which you can report any user or account that is engaging in practices that affect the digital community.

See also:

• Haters. Cyberbullying .

Respect working hours

The netiquette suggests that all communication that has to do with the work environment (emails, calls, instant messages) be made during working hours. By doing so outside those hours, the employee or colleague's break time is being interrupted.

An example of netiquette are the rules created in some companies to avoid communications outside working hours. However, in Spain, the Organic Law on Data Protection already protects the right of workers not to reply to messages of this type if they are sent at inappropriate times.

Remember that we interact with other humans

When we respond to a message, send an email, make a complaint on a social network, etc., what is on the other side of the screen is another human being. Therefore, ideally, kindness, respect, and empathy should always be present.

An example of netiquette is to go by private message on a social network to make a claim.

Maintain discretion

If a personal matter is discussed in an email, they should not be copied to third parties, especially if they have nothing to do with the matter raised.

An example of a netiquette, if it were in the workplace, would be to explain the personal situation to the immediate boss and request that it not be shared with other bosses or colleagues to maintain their privacy.

Give context

When replying to an email, the netiquette suggests citing the email to which the reply refers. In this way, all involved will understand the context of the issue raised and their respective responses.

An example of netiquette would be to reply to the email and explain that the original message will be cited so that all recipients are aware of the situation.

Introduce oneself

When being admitted to a virtual community, discussion forum or chat group, the first thing to do is greet the group. It is the same as it would be when presented in the offline world .

An example of netiquette would be to greet when being incorporated into a WhatsApp group, and say the name in case the members of the group are not known.