The Power of Netiquette: Guiding Principles in Online Communication
Social media usage over the years has sky-rocketed resulting in the creation of more social media platforms. Through the use of social media, more individuals have more access to information and quickly communicate their thoughts and ideas to each other. In sharing our thoughts and ideas via social media, one should consider how whatever is posted may affect the persons who are going to view it as well as his or her reputation. Just as how we exhibit good table manners when we are eating out, we should do the same as we communicate online. This list of guided behaviors for online usage is called Netiquette. In importance of netiquette essay this topic is discussed.
Bowvalleycollege.libguides.com states that Netiquette is a set of unofficial rules for good behavior and politeness followed by users of online and digital technologies such as the Internet, email, and chat rooms. Netiquette is derived from the word 'etiquette,' which refers to the general rules or conventions of correct and polite behavior in social settings and situations. It is thus the practice of exercising polite and considerate behavior in online contexts, such as Internet discussion boards and personal email.
In other words, 'Netiquette' refers to Internet etiquette which simply means the use of good manners in online communication such as e-mail, forums, blogs, and social networking sites to name a few. It is important to use netiquette because communication online is non-verbal. Most often online communication consists of reading something someone else has typed. This type of communication does not allow each person to see face to face. On the contrary, some persons neglect this online etiquette resulting in acts such as catfishing, cyberbullying, dangerous online challenges and trolling.
Catfishing occurs when someone creates a fake profile or a series of fake profiles on social media sites to trick people into thinking that he or she is someone else. On these fake profiles, catfishers add fake information about their origins, their family and job type and also may display photos that come from other people. The Oxford Online dictionary also defines catfishing as the act of luring someone into a relationship using a fictional online persona.
The results of catfishing can be quite disheartening, as many persons could be hurt in this situation. As a result of catfishing, pedophiles along with other sexual predators can lure and develop relationships with young children and teens. Individuals who are lured into such relationships may become victims of abductions and rape. Additionally, in these online relationships, the victim may share private information with the catfisher who in return would use this information to ridicule, humiliate and defame individuals. These victims may try to commit suicide or become a virtual recluse. While online ways of spotting a catfisher include: constantly avoiding a video chat, asking constantly to meet you in person or if the person just seems too good to be true.
Another way in which individuals incorrectly use social media is Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can occur anywhere, even at home by way of tablets, cellphones, emails, texts, etc. Cyber Bullies use digital technologies to target and harass, threaten and humiliate persons and this action does not require strength or a group of people to do so. Cyberbullying will leave their victims feeling helpless, unwanted, depressed which can lead to suicide. According to the cite Bullying UK, Cyberbullying is defined as any form of bullying that takes place online through smartphones and tablets. Cyberbullying is very popular today as many young persons have either become victims or perpetrators of the act. Cyberbullying can come in many forms, however, the result is always the same.
Social media plays a major role in our lives as young people as we try our best to devise innovative ways in which we can learn new information, share and communicate. With the number of persons using social media and this number is said to soon rise, users will become prone to a troll or two. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln defines trolling as the act of creating discord on the internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in a group that may be quite offensive. Therefore, a social media troll is a person who purposefully posts comments that he or she knows will offend others. Trolls and their comments can create havoc and controversy online. Consequently, this can affect peoples' perceptions of themselves, business brands as well as the use of social media sites.
