Practise Netiquette

What Is Netiquette?

Netiquette, or internet etiquette, refers to the guidelines and expectations for appropriate and respectful behaviour in online spaces. Just like in real life, how you act online matters. The way you interact through posts, comments, messages, or shares can leave a lasting impression on others and shape your digital footprint.

Why Is It Important To Have Good Netiquette?

Good netiquette helps you create a safer, kinder, and more respectful online space for yourself and everyone around you. However, when it is ignored, digital spaces can quickly become toxic and hurtful.

Behind a screen, it might feel easier to post offensive comments or act without thinking. These actions can lead to misunderstandings, online conflicts, or even cyberbullying. Hurtful posts and comments can have effects beyond the screen, damaging someone’s self-esteem and causing emotional and financial harm.

Practising good netiquette protects your digital reputation and help build a more positive internet for everyone. Treat others the way you want to be treated, with kindness and respect.

How Can I Have Good Netiquette?

Here are some tips to help you build a kinder, safer, and more respectful online presence:

Be Uplifting Online

• Share positive experiences and avoid posting immediately after a negative experience.
• Use encouraging words like “good job” and “thank you” to uplift others.

Think Before You Post

• Ask yourself before you post: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind?
• Be cautious about sharing unverified messages from unknown sources. Learn how to assess information before sharing it with your family and friends.

Show Kindness and Empathy

• Avoid humiliating others or spreading rumours online.
• If you have personal grievances, take them offline and resolve them privately.

Respect Others’ Boundaries

• Do not share photos, videos, or personal information about others without their permission.
• Respect intellectual property by giving proper credit and not using others’ work without permission.

Be an Upstander

• Show support for the person being targeted, both online and offline.
• Report harmful posts or abusive users to the platform. Learn how you can be an upstander.

Netiquette isn’t just about being "nice". It’s about showing respect, thinking before you act, and helping others feel safe and seen. You have the power to make the internet a safer and better place for yourself and others, one positive action at a time.

Want more tips and tools to build healthier digital habits? Come along and Scroll Smart, Surf Safe with us.