Euthenics 1

1
Netiquette

Netiquette

This module contains the basic rules of netiquette or network etiquette in

aiming for a harmonious relationship among users.

Defining Netiquette
Netiquette, or network etiquette/internet etiquette, refers to the set of rules,
guidelines, and practices in keeping the polite and appropriate behavior and
attitude of people in the internet.
To retain the harmonious relationship among users of the internet,
netiquette is required knowledge. Although they are not physically present,
you have to remember that there are real people are behind user accounts.
To keep the cyberspace culture user-friendly and a pleasant experience for
its users, you need to learn the basic rules of netiquette.

Basic Rules of Netiquette

Ross (2011) has enumerated the basic rules of netiquette. These are the
following:
1. Remember the human. This rule is rooted from the golden rule we have
been thought from when we were children: “Do to others what you want
them to do to you.” You have to exhibit empathy in interacting with fellow
users of the internet. Put yourself in their shoes and think twice about
doing things that could possibly hurt another person’s feelings. Internet
communication heavily relies on your words because they can’t see your
face, facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice. Misinterpretation and
misunderstanding may occur once in a while due to this. Despite the need
for freedom to express yourself online, the itch to explore new things,
always be guided by the knowledge that there are real people out there.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in
real life. Treat online as just another place in the world where you have
the chance to interact with people you barely know. Most assume that the
chances of getting caught on cyberspace is little to nothing. Take note to
avoid spreading false information.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace. Like how there are differing rules
of etiquette in places and events, you should know where you are in
cyberspace so you’d know how to appropriately act. An online institution
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth. You work primarily on
your own when accessing cyberspace. However, that does not mean you
are the center of cyberspace. For example, here in an online institution, be
Course Module
 aware that you’re not the only student and not the only one who has
concerns. Do not expect instantaneous replies to your questions,
especially if they need thorough understanding before arriving at a
response. In sending emails, only put in copy the people or departments
concerned.
5. Make yourself look good online. Don’t use offensive language. Always
remember to be pleasant and polite.
6. Share expert knowledge. The internet was initially founded and spread
throughout the world for the sake of sharing information across borders.
If there is something you know that some people don’t, share it with
them, as much as possible, if it is absolutely necessary. Many people turn
to the internet nowadays to easily search for answers to their questions
and your contribution in the field you know would be helpful.
7. Help keep flame wars under control. Flaming, according to Stewart
(2015), is “the act of sending someone an outrageously insulting message
whether by private email or in a public posting, usually because you
disagree with something they have said.” Ross concurs and says,
netiquette forbids the spread of flame wars as it will start discord among
groups.
8. Respect other people’s privacy. At this age when reaching a loved one
or an acquaintance is possible with just a click, we still have to maintain
reasonable spaces between us. We must respect a person’s right to
privacy and avoid prying into his or her accounts, files, and documents.
9. Don’t abuse your power. System administrators must learn not to take
advantage of the hierarchy of roles. Respect begets respect and
administrators of websites and platforms do not have the authority to
peek into private emails, messages and files.
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes. Before we reached this point
of knowledge in cyberspace, we have all been newbies and have all been
clueless of this new concept of internet. Maybe there are still things we
don’t know about cyberspace, considering its depth. Be kind about
pointing out errors, even a minor one. Do it through a private message, as
much as possible. Everyone makes mistakes every once in a while, as
things still slip our minds.

Other Netiquette rules

 Don’t plagiarize. Even if the material is on the web, properly credit its
source and ask for permission.
 Avoid spamming as it can cause either a disturbance or irritation.
 Avoid overusing emoticons especially in emails to the institution.

Establishing contact with the university through email

One of the most basic modes of communication between instructors, the
student support and the students of the online university is through email. In
the event of concerns needing immediate response, you may compose a
letter to send to the concerned department.
Although email is considered less formal than academic writing, it is equally
important to observe proper composition in writing your email directed to
the institution.
 Euthenics 1
3
Netiquette

Recine (2015) has given the following guidelines in composing an email to

your university staff, officials and faculty, that will convey respect and
formality:
1. Use the last name of the recipient with a formal title (such as Mr., Ms.,
or Mrs.) in your greeting, following the word “Dear.” This is to
properly identify who you are trying to address in the letter, while
also conveying respect to the addressee.
2. Avoid the usual wordy academic writing in letting the university
official and faculty know your concern as it is not considered
appropriate for email. Get straight to the point and specify your
concern, if needed. Keep it concise, but still wholly informative.
3. Avoid using conversational or slang words. It is informal to use these
words in conversation with your instructor or university official.
4. Use complete sentences in stating your concern. Writing in fragments
and incomplete sentences may be interpreted as rude or too informal.
5. Be polite and express your gratitude in the shortest way possible.
6. If it is absolutely necessary to copy a number of people in the email,
make sure that the number is at its minimum. Make sure that the
email addresses copied into the email are directly concerned with
your email.
Commonly Utilized Netiquette Rules
(adapted from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol6no1/mintu-wimsatt_0310.htm)
o Do not use offensive language. Present ideas appropriately.
o Be cautious in using Internet language. For example, do not capitalize
all letters since this suggests shouting.
o Popular emoticons such as J or L can be helpful to convey your tone
but do not overdo or overuse them.
o Avoid using vernacular and/or slang language. This could possibly
lead to misinterpretation.

Keep an “open-mind” and be willing to express even your minority

opinion. Minority opinions have to be respected.
o Think and edit before you push the “Send” button.
o Do not hesitate to ask for feedback.
o Using humor is acceptable but be careful that it is not misinterpreted.
For example, are you being humorous or sarcastic?
o Be reminded that support staff answering student queries may be
mentors and teachers for other courses. Be mindful of your language.

Course Module
References
Recine, D. (2015). Making Email Contact with a University. Retrieved on
October 27, 2016 from: http://magoosh.com/toefl/2015/making-
email-contact-with-a-university/
Ross, S. (2011). The Core Rules of Netiquette. Retrieved on October 27, 2016
from: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
http://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-
internet/
http://www.uticaod.com/x1177024386/Internet-Etiquette-10-Rules-of-
Netiquette
http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ia_nq.htm
Betty’s Netiquette Quiz. Retrieved from:
http://www.carnegiecyberacademy.com/funStuff/netiquette/netique
tte.html