What is netiquette?

A made-up word, netiquette is constructed from the words net and etiquette.
Thus, netiquette refers to the standards of behavior for polite and appropriate
online conversation. Etiquette for the internet is another name for netiquette.
These are suggested politeness guidelines rather than laws.

We're all still learning proper online behavior, so it can be intimidating to dive
into a sea of strangers. Parents are under even greater pressure to prevent
social media harm since they are constantly unsure whether apps like Snapchat
are secure for children. "Do not do or say anything online that you would not say
or do in a face-to-face setting" is the cardinal rule of netiquette in an online
course or environment.

Here are five crucial guidelines for proper online behavior in a learning or
teaching environment:
1. Use sarcasm with caution.
When speaking online, these elements are all absent: tone of voice, body
language, facial expression, and gesture. Without explanation, a well-intentioned
joke may come across as perplexing or outright offensive. Use "irony
punctuation" or emojis that contradict the statement, italics to highlight tone,
"jk" for "just kidding," or even an explicit "/s" after your reply to make your
sarcasm more obvious.

In some online communities, using aLtErNaTiNg capitalization to express

sarcasm has also gained popularity.
2. Make good use of communication. Writing carefully and with practice is
required. 
 At all times, make an effort to communicate clearly both orally and in
writing. 
 Reread before responding once again. 
 When required, define and restate your words. 
 Immediately clear up any misunderstandings.
 There's a good chance that if one individual had a certain reaction to what you
said, another might have done so as well. Likewise, be careful with your words
and your humor. Say, for instance, that I write, "Get out!" This slang expression
might be taken in several different ways, either positively or negatively.

3. Be mindful of others' privacy. Spreading someone's email around can also

make them receive spam, which is something that nobody enjoys. Before
mentioning someone on social media, get their permission. Everyone avoids having
an unflattering photo circulated among strangers, and some individuals may be
generally shy on social media. Unauthorized posting can seriously violate
someone's security and privacy.
Treat someone's social media contact information the same way you would
someone's phone number: never distribute it without that person's permission.
Although doxxing someone is a serious offense, if you're careless, you might
accidentally doxx someone.

4. Request more information. Ask again if you're not sure of what was said, the
instructor's instructions, or someone's facial expressions. Do not remain silent
while misunderstood or insulted. Wait until there is a pause in the conversation
or until the open engagement takes place before interrupting. Your teacher will
value your maturity and reactivity. Saying (or writing) "I did not understand..."
and always placing the responsibility for the misunderstanding on oneself is an
easy method to accomplish this.

5. Sending files correctly

Since you can never be sure of another person's storage capacity or internet
connection, avoid sending or attaching huge files directly. If you wish to
exchange a lot of files, choose a cloud service or a personal website. Use some
of the best encryption tools to protect sensitive files if you must email them.
Additionally, password-protect data to demonstrate your concern for the
recipient's online security.
Don't distribute inappropriate content, and respect the recipients'
expectations.
 
With these top five netiquette guidelines, you are on your way to online success!