In the online world, behavior and etiquette have spiraled down to an all time low. There used to be outlines and basic expectations regarding behavior and etiquette in any situation but in this new era, anything seems to be accepted.
Do you remember being young and wishing you could be invisible? It seemed exciting to be able to sneak around and listen to people’s conversations, peek into other people’s lives and never get caught. The intention was not to cause harm; it was more like being Superman and having special powers. To be invisible was simply a childish fantasy.
Being on the Internet is much like being invisible. You can observe others, read their blogs, look through their family pictures and no one can see you. Seems harmless enough. If people have put their information out there for everyone to see, what is the harm in looking at it? The problems arise when previously “civilized” people take liberties they never would in real life.
In chat groups and social networking sites, people say and do things online that they would never consider in their real lives. If you are rude and abusive in a chat group or on a social networking site, you can simply change your email address and name and get right back online.
Basic grammar, manners and social rules are often discarded. Invisible people don’t have to worry about what they say and do online. You can be braver, feel wiser and smarter and you don’t have to face your audience. If you don’t like a co-worker or school mate, leave an anonymous nasty message on a social networking page or send an email. Websites like Yahoo and Hotmail allow you to have several email addresses and unless you provide them to your recipient, you can be anonymous.
Poor behavior and etiquette are not limited to socializing; it has crept into businesses as well. How many times have you received an email that is simply a few words or a terse comment? Prior to email, a letter, fax or phone call would initiate a request for information. The letter or fax would be properly written (think back to high school typing classes and how much time you spent learning to write a proper letter) and formatted. A phone call is a more personal contact and in business, it was imperative that you were well mannered and clear and concise in your requests.
We need to return to the basic rules of behavior and etiquette. Being online does not give you license to be rude, abusive or harassing to others. Treat the opportunity to communicate with people all over the world as a gift, an opportunity to learn about the world around you and uphold the basic tenets of a “polite” society. In turn, you can make new and interesting friends and learn about things you never thought possible. Be a good example for others and perhaps over time, we can turn the Internet into a place where being safe from rudeness and harassment is not just a dream.
