Internet & Facebook Etiquette
Although users are often not face-to-face on the Internet, it is still important to conduct network etiquette -- often referred to as "netiquette" -- while online. Your online persona comes into contact with not only close friends, where you can be a little more casual, but also current and potential employers, your co-workers, family and strangers. It is important to maintain a certain etiquette as you come into contact with any of these people the same way you would in person. You want to appear professional and be taken seriously online.
Other People Are Reading
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Grammar and Language
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Use proper grammar in all situations when you are online. It makes it easier for others to understand what you are saying, looks more professionals and help others take what you are writing more seriously. In addition, use proper capitalization. Do not leave all letters in lower case unless you are instant messaging a close friend or typing a to-do list to yourself. Do not use all capital letters, either. All capital letters often looks like "shouting" online, which is considered rude, and an eyesore for those who are reading it. Also, take note not to use swear words or other foul language in inappropriate settings, such as an email to a co-worker or a website where children may read it.
Personal Information
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Limit the amount of personal information you put online. It isn't wise to put your full name, phone number, personal address and email address all in one place, where anyone can view it. This can cause unwanted mail, phone calls and messages. It can also make it easier for someone to steal your identity. In addition, keep personal issues, such as a disagreement you may be having with another, private. Don't write about it in an email and send it to all your friends and co-workers or write it in a Facebook status or on Twitter. It's rude and unfair to those who are involved in the matter.
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Copyright Policies
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Keep copyright policies in mind when browsing and using information you obtained on the Internet. If you wish to use a quote from an article in an email or article you are writing or an image from another website on your blog, check the copyright policy of the original website. Sometimes, you are allowed to use it without charge, such as images under Creative Commons. At other times, however, the website prohibits anyone from using the original material. Always give credit to any content you use -- provide the owner's name, the website's name, and the title of the article or photo.
Spam
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Avoid "spamming" -- excessive unwanted information sent electronically. Spamming can come in several forms online, from spam emails to spam Facebook posts, spam tweets, and even spam blog posts. Examples are posting advertisements constantly, the same image or article link over and over again, or chain emails. Not only does it clog up your website, Twitter, Facebook or blog, but it also irritates those reading it. Sending too many spam emails can cause others not to take your emails as seriously and even delete important ones from you without reading them.
Cyberbullying
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In today's Internet-driven society, people can be bullied without having to face their bullies physically. Bullies may write mean and hurtful things about the victim on both their personal blogs, websites and online profiles, in addition to the victim's online profiles and the comment sections on the victim's blogs and websites. They may also send a slew of emails to the victim, harass him through text messages, and create websites dedicated to teasing the victim. Insulting anyone online is hurtful and can get the poster in serious trouble.
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References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
