While a lot has been said and
written about digital etiquette, i still feel the need to address this topic
more considering the number of ways technology is being misused in this current
digital age.
Digital etiquette also referred
to as netiquette is the basic set of rules every technology user needs to
follow in order to make the digital community (internet/intranet) better for
oneself and others. The basic rule behind digital etiquette is the same that
applies to our everyday lives which is “treat others the way you would like to
be treated”.
As a participant of a technology
driven society, one is expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior and choices
in the digital community as well as understand the impact and consequences of
those choices. There are few set rules that everyone can agree on when it comes
to using social media, emails and text messages, and all digital technology
users must be aware of others when using technology while also understanding
how this technology use can affect others.
Think about being in the movie
theater and a person's cell phone rings. Instead of turning the phone off, the
person engages in conversation with the caller during the showing of the movie.
This scenario is a common, yet inappropriate use of technology. Today,
technology is everywhere. While technology offers many amazing opportunities
for its users, it also requires users to follow etiquette guidelines. Turning a
cell phone off during a movie is just one basic example of digital etiquette.
Digital etiquette also relates to
adults who have a responsibility to be an excellent role model for people of
younger ages. Not very many people are aware of any rule(s) that have been
enforced in using new technology so people are unsure how to exactly use their
technology devices today. There are rules set out for people to take note of
and follow, this way, the internet becomes better for every of its user.
Some years ago, the American Red
Cross got some unexpected attention on Twitter—you would think it is for their good
deeds. An employee in charge of managing the organization’s social media made
the mistake of mixing up his/her personal account with Red Cross’s corporate
account, thereby accidentally tweeting about “getting slizzerd” on beer. Like
most corporate social media mishaps, this one was quickly followed by an
apology. Less common is that the mistake struck a chord with followers and
resulted in a rush of donations, however, not all digital fumbles have such a
happy ending.
Most big brands often have hundreds
of thousands of followers, we’re more likely to hear when they make a mistake
that damages their digital reputation, but that’s not to say that what happens
on your private accounts can’t come back to haunt you. From inappropriate
tweets and Facebook status updates to lewd Instagram posts, and phone calls
taken at the very worst moments, the list of what’s considered a tech-related
blunder is nothing if not lengthy—and it’s growing every day as the digital
landscape continues to change. So, how do you know if you’re being polite?
Every time we post something
online, we leave behind a permanent digital footprint. Sure, posts can be
deleted, but they can also be preserved with a screenshot before we get the
chance to self-edit. Additionally, we can never be sure that the information we
share with your friends and coworkers won’t be seen by a supervisor or future
employer. Companies now use social media as a tool to monitor employees as much
as to promote their own brands, meaning that complaining about work or venting
online could actually cost us a career.
While digital etiquette is based
around the idea that it’s just as important to treat people with courtesy and
respect online as if you were in the same room with them, there are nuances
depending on which platform you use. After taking an in-depth look into the
'dos and don'ts' of tech etiquette, I have put together some tips and guide to
manage our online reputation correctly.
- Don't overshare on Facebook, Instagram or any of your social media platforms.
- Check your Privacy settings
- Check your facts before sharing
- Consider your audience
- Stop being too Aggressive
- Avoid sending messages or posting on social media when emotional, angry or drunk
- Avoid chatting someone up on LinkedIn or other professional platforms except when its really necessary
- Be strictly formal when sending messages or emails to clients and work colleagues, i.e. avoid adding kisses, love or other smileys when exchanging business emails.
- Build Quality Relationships
- Curate your photos like a museum
- Respond to emails in a timely manner and know that every word matters
- Be Accountable for Your Actions
- Don't steal another person’s information
- Be Nice, just like in any social interaction
Through today's media, the topic
of digital etiquette has been discussed in many different ways. From websites,
to national television news programs, to our local schools, offices and public
events, the importance of digital etiquette is apparent.
Practicing digital etiquette
isn’t only about being polite. Instead, it encompasses all aspects of human
interaction, including respecting the privacy of others, paying for what you
use, being an active participant, and carefully considering your permanent
digital footprint. Today's digital platforms are creating best practices and
policies through the use of a policy known as an "Acceptable Use
Policy." These policies offer guidelines for its users to follow including
the expectations of digital etiquette, the rules for technology use and the
consequences for violating the rules.
Don’t know if something is
considered good digital etiquette? When it comes to manners and technology,
follow the above rules and your instincts. If you’re second-guessing whether
you should pull out your phone or send that bawdy tweet, chances are you
shouldn’t do it.
Technology is readily and freely available
to us all, it is now left to us as users to make good and appropriate use of it
and not to the detriment of oneself, others or our community.
By: Ogunjale Moyosore
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