What is netiquette?

Netiquette is a made-up word from the words net and etiquette.

Netiquette thus describes the rules of conduct for respectful and
appropriate communication on the internet.
Netiquette is often referred to as etiquette for the internet. These
are not legally binding rules, but recommended rules of etiquette.
Netiquette is mostly used for dealing with unknown people on the
internet. The rules of netiquette very depending on
the platform and its participants . Generally, it is up to the operator
of a website or communication app to specify the type and scope of
netiquette. It is also their responsibility to monitor compliance with
these basic rules and to penalize violations of them.
Netiquette: General rules of conduct
When communicating on the internet, you should always
remember that you are communicating with people and not
simply with computers or smartphones. As in the real world,
rules of etiquette are necessary on the internet. Netiquette is
therefore important to avoid adverse consequences.
Below you will find 20 general recommendations for
conduct on the internet that you should follow when
communicating online.
1. Stick to the rules of conduct online that you follow in
real life
When communicating online, remember the rules of
etiquette that you follow in your everyday life. Refrain from
insulting, provoking, threatening or insulting others.
Respect the opinions of your chat counterparts and express
constructive criticism. Remember that you can be
prosecuted for insulting people online.
2. Netiquette: Think of the person
Think of the person behind the computer when you
compose your messages. You are not communicating with
a machine, but with real people. Also, consider what and
how you write. Because the internet doesn't forget
anything! A screenshot or a copy of your messages is
quickly made and still exists even if you delete your
messages afterward.
3. Present your best side online
Communication on the internet comes with a certain anonymity that does
not exist in real life when you are talking to someone face to face. Often this
anonymity leads to a lower inhibition threshold for many users and they
behave rudely online if, for example, you disagree with them.
Make sure that you show your best side online. Remain friendly and
respectful, even if you disagree. Good netiquette is characterized
by respect, politeness and professionalism.
A tip: You should generally refrain from writing messages or individual
words entirely in capital letters – even if you want to give these sections
more expression. After all, capital letters on the
internet mean shouting and are generally considered impolite.
4. Read first, then ask
Do you have a question about something? Then take the time
to carefully read the answers in the previous discussion posts
first. There is a good chance that someone has already
answered your question. If you write an answer similar to
someone else's, it shows the other chat participants that you
have paid little attention to the conversation so far.
Remember that conversations online can happen very
quickly. It is therefore important to gather all the information
before responding or asking questions.
5. Netiquette: Pay attention to grammar and punctuation
Take time to read through your answers again. Check them
for grammar, punctuation and correct spelling. It can be very frustrating
for the other person if they have to decipher poorly written sentences in
order grasp the meaning behind them. In addition, faulty grammar distracts
from the goal of your message.
Grammar, spelling and punctuation become especially important when
composing emails or other correspondence that you submit to colleagues or
superiors. If you have a weakness in grammar and spelling, don't be
discouraged. Use spelling aids before you send messages.
Another tip: When composing emails, always remember to use the
appropriate salutation and parting formula as well. These are also part
of netiquette.
6. Respect the privacy of others
This rule should be followed not only in everyday use of online communication,
but also at work. Do not simply forward information that has been sent to you
without first obtaining permission from the original sender. When sending
private emails to multiple recipients, use BCC (blind carbon copy) instead
of CC (carbon copy). Many people do not like their names and email addresses
being passed on to people they do not know themselves.
This rule on the internet also applies to uploading and sharing photos or
videos that show other people. Before circulating such private files, be sure to
check with the people concerned before doing so.
Last but not least: Respect the privacy of others and do not sign up for
newsletters, forums or the like with someone else's name or email address
7. Respect the time and bandwidth of others
We live in a much faster world than our parents or grandparents are used to.
Information can be sent to different people around the world in a matter of
seconds – and without much effort. Nevertheless, the bandwidth, that is to say
the information capacity of wires and channels, is limited. It is similar with
humans. Think of this limited receptivity of information when you send
messages to your friends, colleagues or superiors.
Do you get to the point quickly enough in your emails? Are your arguments
formulated correctly and clearly recognizable? No one wants to waste time
unnecessarily on an email whose core message is only at the end of the email.
That consumes time and effort, and is simply annoying. Also, consider who
really needs to be on the list of recipients. After all, respect for other people's
time and bandwidth is also part of netiquette.
8. Forgive the mistakes of others
Everyone who goes online to forums and networks was once a beginner. As in
any other field, you can make mistakes as a beginner. In online communication,
these can be a lack of etiquette or manners.
Often these are spelling mistakes, superfluous questions or answers that are
too long. With this in mind, it's important to forgive your counterparts'
mistakes. If they are only minor mistakes, it is best not to react to them at all.
In the event of a major error, for example a wrong quote, messages written only
in capital letters or missing grammar and punctuation, then it is best to point it
out to the person in a private message.
A tip: Sarcasm in written form is not always recognizable to everyone on the
internet. It is therefore better to remain objective. If you still want to express
sarcasm among friends or close colleagues, use emojis such as smileys or
GIFs. Carefully chosen, emojis can reinforce your message.
9. Netiquette: Don't abuse your power
On the internet, as in real life, some people have more power
than others. Moderators in a forum, experts in companies or
system administrators. If you have more power than
others, you do not have the right to exploit this power.
Don't spy on colleagues or chat participants just because you
have the technical means to do so. For example, system
administrators should never read private emails or find out
about the salary structure in the company.
10. Help keep flame wars under control
Flame wars are messages that contain aggressive personal
criticism or attacks on a person. In group chats, heated discussions
often degenerate into so-called flame wars. If you get into such a
discussion, you should stay out of it. Always remember that you
should treat others as you would like to be treated. Profanity is not
part of netiquette.
Also remember that insults and threats on the internet can have
legal consequences for you. For this reason, do not be tempted to
make such comments, even in heated discussions. Instead,
demonstrate exemplary conduct on the internet.