written by: Nurul Fauziyyah
What is “netiquette”? Have you ever heard about it? Or Is it something new for you?
Let’s broaden our horizon.
We live in an era fully covered by internet or we are able to call it as “digital era.” To be a wise one in cyber society, we have to apply this kinda stuff, netiquette. It is a set of rules for acceptable online behavior or how to behave in cyberspace. Netiquette stands for network and ettiquete.
There are several poin of views toward netiquette. Let’s go deeper for one of them. Virginia Shea stated that these are some rules of netiquette.
a. Remember the human
Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Imagine how you’d feel if you were in the other person’s shoes. Deliver your point of views without hurting other’s feeling.
In other words, some people say that nothing is more irritating than trying to have a chitchat with someone who is engrossed in their gadgets or make real people a priority.
b. Adhare to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life
Be ethical and remember that breaking the law is a must-avoiding deed. In real life, most people are fairly law-abiding, either by disposition or because we’re afraid of getting caught. In cyberspace, the chances of getting caught sometimes seem slim and some people tend to do so because they forget that there’s a human being on the other side of the gadget and it manipulates brain that a lower standard of ethics or personal behavior is acceptable in cyberspace.
c. Know where you are in cyberspace
Netiquette varies from domain to domain. Netiquette is different in different places, so it’s important to know where you are. Do not forget to lurk before you leap. Analyze and adjust the situation and the habitual in that place, especially if you enter a domain of cyberspace. Spend a while listening to the chat or reading the archives. Get a sense of how the people who are already there act. Then go ahead and participate.
d. Make yourself look good online
In professional or academic world, grammar and language are judged. Proofread every words that you want to share in public. Understand what you are talking about and make sure it make sense.
In digital communication, do not simply ignore a question because you do not what to give the answer of that question at that time. Write back saying that you need time to think and respond it or saying that it is a difficult question and they might be better off seeking the information elsewhere.
e. Don’t abuse your power
In cyberspace, some people have more power than others. There are wizards in MUDs (multi-user dungeons), experts in every office, and system administrators in every system. Knowing more than others or having more power than they do, does not give you the right to take advantage of them.
f. Respect people’s time and bandwith
To the point! Do not waste others’ time to read your extraneous text or attachment that may take forever to download.
g. Respect people’s privacy
Failing to respect other people’s privacy is not just bad etiquette. It could also cost you your value and your job.
h. Share expert knowledge
Do not forget to put sources and references about what you cite and share.
i. Forgive other’s mistakes
If someone do something wrong or you want to inform someone of a mistake, point it out politely, and preferably by private email rather than in public. Give people the benefit of the doubt; assume they just don’t know any better. Never ever be arrogant or self-righteous about it. Netiquette violations are often examples of poor Netiquette.
j. Help keep flamewars under contol
“Flaming” is what people do when they express a strongly held opinion without holding back any emotion. It’s the kind of message that makes people respond, “Oh come on, tell us how you really feel.” Tact is not its objective.
This is a link of a video about netiquette or in bahasa “Netiket.” You are able to learn more within this video (in bahasa).