Digital etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes
referred to, is a basic set of rules
pertaining to behaviour that needs to be followed to ensure the Internet is
better for all users. Basically it means “the use of good manners in online
communication such as email, forums, blogs, and social networking sites” (Digital Citizenship, Auburn University.
[s.a.]).
Inappropriate digital conduct:
Cyber bullying: Is when a young person uses the Internet or
technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person, this person
is called a cyberbully. This is a major problem all over the world, many people
are bullied over social media every day, it leads to depression and in some
cases suicide.
Sexual harassment: Is also another issue that impacts on society as people are left
traumatized and scarred for the rest of their life. The problem with
inappropriate conduct is that there are no ramifications because people remain
anonymous which is why it is so hard to put it to an end. Harassment repeatedly
sending hateful messages to someone online.
Hacking computers: is the practice of modifying computer hardware and software to
accomplish a goal outside of the creator’s original purpose. Computer hacking
is most common among teenagers and young adults; however, many hackers are true
technology buffs who enjoy learning more about how computers work and
consider computer hacking an “art” form.
Fault
injection: This technique involves hackers whom search
ways to infiltrate one source and code to try inputting different code in an
attempt to crash the system and this can cause viruses which is able to spread
at an incredible rapid rate and corrupt your hard-drive.
Child
pornography: is pornography that exploits children for sexual
stimulation. It may be produced with the direct involvement or sexual assault
of a child (also known as child sexual abuse images). Abuse of the child occurs
during the sexual acts or pubic areas which are recorded in the production of
child pornography. Child pornography may use a variety of media, including
writings, magazines, photos, drawing, cartoon, painting, animation, sound
recording, film, video and video games.
Consequences for
individuals and society:
Lack of
socialisation: Let's face it, our thousands of friends in our
list are really not the ones we call on when we are alone. Instead, the time
spent on the internet takes away the time we would otherwise have spent
socialising and meeting 'real' people in a 'real environment'.
Negative effects on
health: Researchers have found that there appears to
be a positive correlation between hyper networking, which is more than three
hours of internet time, and negative health behaviour such as depression, drug
abuse and isolation among teenagers. In extreme cases, the negative effect can
even extend to suicide.
Isolation:
We might be getting 'connected' with our online friends every day but
physically, we are spending less and less time outdoors and with other human
beings. This lack of physical contact with our fellow human being can result in
many symptoms including depression, somatic symptoms, and anxiety.
Defamation:
There are times when companies face a scenario where disgruntled employees
speak their mind, defaming the company's good name. Social networking sites
have also been famous for defaming and negatively portraying brands, companies,
celebrities, as well as members of the general public.
Accidental leakage of
confidential information: Many slips happen and in the case of
social media marketing, confidential information can be released - and once
it's out there, it cannot be retrieved. What's more, since it reaches such a
wide audience, the impact is a lot greater had the leak been in a more 'real'
setting.
Identity theft:
Another area that has correspondingly increased with the increase of social
networking sites is identity theft. With personal information so easily
available it can also be easily stolen. The cases where information is taken
from social networking sites are soaring.
Stalking and
misbehaviour: Availability of one's personal information so
easily can also make one prey for possible stalkers, as many of us have seen.
The misuse of photographs, personal information as well as 'tagging'
photographs with other identities, puts one in danger and can be a cause of
discomfort.
According to Kelly
Marsh (2012) stated that there are many other instances
where social networking has changed our behaviour but not in good ways. The
language we use has become poorer with many grammatical mistakes; the use of
social networking by employees while working has decreased their performance,
individuals' reputations have also been harmed in many ways. However, just as a
coin has two faces, so does social media. The good and the bad go hand-in-hand
but more than anything else all you need to be is vigilant and create balance.
In addition of the above inappropriate digital conduct and consequences
for individuals and society:
ë ‘Society’
is not just the society within which you live, but also the digital society. When
you use social media, those that follow you or are friends with you are part of
your society.
ë
According
to Mavuso, N (2017) suggested that Your actions, beliefs and statements have an
impact and, therefore, should be considered carefully. It is your right to
share, however, you need to share responsibly.
ë illegal
downloads has greater ramifications than just that of the
relevant production company losing money.
A short list for guiding audience in online etiquette:
ë Don’t
discriminate or criticize.
ë Don’t use
offensive language.
ë Share
information with others effectively.
ë Always
think before you write something online and post.
ë Respect
other people privacy and don’t interfere other peoples’ work.
ë Treat
people the same way as you want to be treated, as you would face-to-face.
ë Share
expert knowledge; offer answers and help others where you can.
ë Respect
the time of others and do not abuse the power you have – use it correctly and
be forgiving.
ë Do not provide
strangers with another user’s personal details without permission - keep it
relevant and professional.
ë Make
yourself look good online and avoid wasting time with unnecessary comments and
questions, lastly, avoid posting confidential information about yourself.
The above guidelines were
stated by Shea (1994), an academic who has been dubbed the ‘network manners
guru’.
500 Words
References
[s.a.], A. U.
(2015, April 22). Digital Citizenship. Retrieved September 25, 2017,
from Netiquette: http://www.auburn.edu/citizenship/netiquette.html
Anon. (2016,
October 11). Learn the Net: Your Online Guide. Retrieved September
2017, 2017, from Netiquette:
http://www.learnthenet.com/learnabout/netiquette/
Education, T. I.
(2016). Digital Citizenship Module Manual. Johannesburg, South Africa:
Unpublished. Retrieved September 25, 2017
Shea, V. (2017). Netiquette
guidelines and examples of bad etiquette. Retrieved July 04, 2017, from
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html.
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