Netiquettes, a combination of the words network and etiquette, are set of empirically derived rules for communication via the Internet based on the human condition and Golden Rule, “do unto others online as you would have done to you”, of Netiquette. It is a philosophy of effective internet communication that utilizes common conventions and norms as a guide for rules and standards. In other words, it is an online ethics. If we are to analyze it, communicating in the internet is harder than communicating personally; thus, we should give importance and take time to know the netiquettes that we must observe as we use the internet. Here are some netiquettes that every Internet user must keep in mind to have a peaceful life online:

• Be positive. If you want to have a positive internet experience, you should practice being positive. Visit positive websites and choose online friends who share positive updates. Post positive messages and comments. If you have that, you will have a positive, peaceful, and effective communication.

• Do not use too much emoticons. Not all the users know the meaning of every emoticon. We must consider the fact that not all users are experts that’s why we must be very careful in using emoticons because there is a possibility that one or two users cannot understand its meaning and might misinterpret it.

 

• Do not use ALL CAPS. Refrain from using all capital letters in internet correspondence. It denotes shouting and shouting at other users is not a good netiquette. If you want other users’ attention, use asterisk sign, equal sign, or any other signs. Using all capital letters is like disrespecting the ones reading your message.

• Protect your image. Before posting or saying things online, think first if you can say these things in reality. Highlight the positive side of who you are in reality. Do not ruin your good image by saying mean things in the internet.

• Refrain from posting or responding to inflammatory materials, flames or personal insult on the internet. Remember that those who put others down do it because they feel bad about themselves. So if you respond to these, it brings you down to their level.

• Refrain from sending unsolicited messages or spam through the internet or responding to them. Do not follow spam links because they can lead to viruses and your computer being hacked. Do not send spam messages, it disturb others, be considerate. In fact, Spam is illegal.

• Be careful. If someone or something is bothering you on the internet, tell a trusted adult about it. In this way, you can enjoy using the internet without worrying. Do not try to handle your problems online on your own, sometimes, we need to consult with an adult for them to help us with what is bothering us.

• Keep messages concise. Use few words as possible to give the necessary information. You don’t have to give a lot of details because some of the users might not want to read long texts.

• Think first before giving your personal information to any sites or any users. Better safe than sorry. Giving too much information might bring you trouble in the future. Also, it is not safe to easily give your trust to the people you meet on the internet.

• Most important thing, BE NICE. 

So there they are, some of the netiquettes that we must remember as we use the internet. Always bear them in mind in order for us to have a serene internet life.