What is Netiquette?

Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online.

The Core Rules of Netiquette

• Rule 1. Remember the human. Never forget that the person reading your mail or posting is, indeed, a person, with feelings that can be hurt.
• Rule 2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.
• Rule 3. Know where you are in cyberspace.
• Rule 4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.

The Golden rule

The first rule of Netiquette is often called the Golden Rule because it corresponds to the basic rule of getting along that most of us are taught as children: do unto others as you’d want them do unto you. The rule is summarized by Shea with the phrase Remember the Human.

10 Examples of rules to follow for good netiquette:

• Avoid posting inflammatory or offensive comments online (a.k.a flaming).
• Respect others’ privacy by not sharing personal information, photos, or videos that another person may not want published online.
• Never spam others by sending large amounts of unsolicited email.
• Show good sportsmanship when playing online games, whether you win or lose.
• Don’t troll people in web forums or website comments by repeatedly nagging or annoying them.
• Stick to the topic when posting in online forums or when commenting on photos or videos, such as YouTube or Facebook comments.
• Don’t swear or use offensive language.
• Avoid replying to negative comments with more negative comments. Instead, break the cycle with a positive post.
• If someone asks a question and you know the answer, offer to help.
• Thank others who help you online.