We follow certain etiquettes during our social interactions. Similarly, we need to exhibit proper manners and etiquettes while being online as shown in Figure. One should be ethical, respectful and responsible while surfing the Internet.
Net etiquettes
(A) Be Ethical
No copyright violation: we should not use copyrighted materials without the permission of the creator or owner. As an ethical digital citizen, we need to be careful while streaming audio or video or downloading images and files from the Internet. We will learn more about copyright in Section 6.4.
Share the expertise: it is good to share information and knowledge on Internet so that others can access it. However, prior to sharing information, we need to be sure that we have sufficient knowledge on that topic. The information shared should be true and unambiguous. Also, in order to avoid redundant information, we should verify that the information is not available already on Internet.
(B) Be Respectful
Respect privacy: as good digital citizens we have the right to privacy and the freedom of personal expression. At the same time, we have to understand that other digital citizens also have the same rights and freedoms. Our personal communication with a digital citizen may include images, documents, files, etc., that are private to both. We should respect this privacy and should not share those images, documents, files, etc., with any other digital citizen without each others’ consent.
Respect diversity: in a group or public forum, we should respect the diversity of the people in terms of knowledge, experience, culture and other aspects.
(C) Be Responsible
Avoid cyber bullying: any insulting, degrading or intimidating online behaviour like repeated posting of rumours, giving threats online, posting the victim’s personal information, sexual harassment or comments aimed to publicly ridicule a victim is termed as cyber bullying. It implies repeatedly targeting someone with intentions to hurt or embarrass. Perhaps new or non-frequent users of the Internet feel that things done online have no effect in the real world. We need to realise that bullying online can have very serious implications on the other person (victim). Also, remember our actions can be traced back using our digital footprints.
Don’t feed the troll: an Internet troll is a person who deliberately sows discord on the Internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory or off topic messages in an online community, just for amusement. Since trolls thrive on attention, the best way to discourage trolls is not to pay any attention to their comments.
