The term "digital citizenship" is very broad, and refers to one knowing how to responsibly use various forms of technology. A sub-topic of digital citizenship is netiquette.
Netiquette refers specifically to how one should communicate on the internet or through social media. Many everyday situations involve knowing rules about acceptable behavior - or etiquette - and connecting with others on the internet and through social media is no different.
(Shea, 1994)
(Shea, 1994)
General Netiquette Rules
Specific guidelines for appropriate netiquette vary depending on the type of communication involved, whether it be e-mailing, posting to social media, or interacting with classmates in an online course. The following are a few general rules that apply in any situation.
- "Remember the Human" - The idea behind this rule is to remember that beyond the screen, the person you are communicating with is human. If you wouldn't say it in person, rethink what you're saying online. Online communication can often be misinterpreted due to lack of body language or tone, making it imperative to check (and re-check) that your message sounds as you intend.
- Use Good English Skills - When communicating with others online, be sure that you are using appropriate grammar, language, and punctuation. This includes avoiding sarcasm in most situations. As stated above, without tonal inflection, sarcasm is often difficult to interpret.
- Avoid Flaming - Flaming is generally referred to as arguing online. While discourse can be beneficial, if people start to verbally attack others instead of discussing the topic, or become increasingly argumentative, then it is time to end the discussion.
Workplace Policies for Social Network Use - Most employers have policies for their employees outlining acceptable use of the Internet and other forms of media during (and after) work hours. These policies generally include guidelines such as: making a distinction about which posts represent your personal views (an are unaffiliated with your company), not using company e-mail for non-company related business, understanding that companies monitor your usage, and data such as e-mail is property of the company. Below is an excerpt from Auburn City Schools' Acceptable Use Policy for all faculty and staff as an example.
Internet Safety and Use of Technology.pdf | |
File Size: | 30 kb |
File Type: |
Social Networking and Cyberbullying Policies
With the continued rise of social media outlets, individuals need to be aware of the guidelines and policies in place to support the positive use of these outlets, including policies pertaining to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is simply harassment or bullying that takes place over a digital device, through text, e-mail, or social networking outlets.
Cyberbullying Policies - Most social-networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, all have very clear policies outlining what types of media can/cannot be posted on their sites. Facebook, for instance, outlines that it will remove any posts that are targeted toward an individual with the intention of shaming and humiliating that person (Facebook, 2018). Twitter also outlines in its User Agreement policies of removing offensive or abusive material, and how users can file a report if those policies are broken by others (Twitter, 2018).
Tips for Protecting Yourself -
Tips for Protecting Yourself -
- Don't open messages from known bullies.
- Block or ban the bully's address or account.
- Tell trusted adults, administrators (if school-related), or local law enforcement, and be persistent until situation is resolved.
- Keep a record of messages for proof in case they're needed for reference later on.
Netiquette: Social Behavior
Ten Basic Rules of Netiquette
Learn More about Facebook's Community Standards and Policies here.
Sources Used: (Shea, 1994), (Erstad, 2014), (Facebook, 2018), (Twitter, 2018), (Shryock, 2006)