ETIQUETTE WHILE COMMUNICATING VIA THE INTERNET, PHONE & SOCIAL MEDIA

Communication etiquette means the set of polite, respectful and responsible behaviours we follow while communicating with others. In today's digital world, we communicate through emails, messaging apps, phone calls, video calls and social media almost every day.

Good digital etiquette helps us communicate clearly, avoid misunderstandings and maintain healthy relationships. Since online communication does not always show our tone or emotions, we need to be especially careful about the words we use.

1. Internet Communication Etiquette: Internet communication includes emails, online chats, websites, discussion forums, video meetings and messaging platforms.

Important Rules

1. Use polite and respectful language

• Avoid rude, insulting or offensive words.
• Disagree with an idea without attacking the person.
• Use respectful language even when communicating with someone you do not know personally.

2. Think before you send

• Read your message once before clicking Send.
• Check whether the message could be misunderstood.
• Avoid sending messages when angry or emotionally upset.

3. Use appropriate subject lines in emails
A subject line should clearly tell the receiver what the email is about.

Example: Request for Permission to Attend the Workshop

4. Avoid writing everything in CAPITAL LETTERS

Writing an entire message in capital letters may appear as if you are shouting.

Do not write: PLEASE SEND THE FILE TODAY.
Instead use: Could you please send the file today?

5. Respect people's time

• Do not send unnecessary forwards or repeated messages.
• Avoid expecting an immediate response.
• Use appropriate communication channels for urgent matters.

6. Be careful with emojis and abbreviations
Emojis can make informal communication friendly, but they may not be appropriate in every situation.

For example, avoid excessive emojis while communicating with a teacher, employer or official institution.

7. Check information before forwarding: Do not blindly forward:

• Rumours
• Fake news
• Unverified information
• Misleading photographs or videos
• Unverified health or financial advice

8. Protect privacy: Never share another person's:

• Phone number
• Photograph
• Personal messages
• Documents
• Location
• Private information

without permission.

 

2. Phone Etiquette: Phone etiquette refers to appropriate behaviour while making or receiving phone calls.

Important Rules

1. Greet the person politely: Start with a greeting.

Example: “Good morning, Professor. This is Rahul from FYBMS.”

2. Introduce yourself: Do not expect the person to immediately recognise your number.

3. Ask if it is a convenient time to talk

For example: “Is this a good time to speak with you?”

This is especially important when calling teachers, employers or professionals.

4. Speak clearly

• Use a moderate volume.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Avoid shouting.
• Avoid using too much slang in formal conversations.

5. Listen without interrupting: Good phone communication involves active listening. Allow the other person to complete their point.

6. Avoid unnecessary calls: Before calling, consider whether the matter can be communicated through a short message or email.

7. Keep your phone on silent in appropriate places: Switch to silent mode during:

• Classes
• Meetings
• Lectures
• Religious services
• Interviews
• Theatres
• Formal events

8. Avoid using the phone while talking to someone: Constantly looking at the phone while someone is speaking can appear disrespectful.

9. End the call politely: Use expressions such as:

“Thank you for your time.”
“It was nice speaking with you.”
“Have a good day.”

 

3. Social Media Etiquette

Social media etiquette refers to responsible and respectful behaviour on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, LinkedIn and X.

Important Rules

1. Think before you post

Remember:

“Post with purpose, not just because you can.”

Ask yourself:

• Is it true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it respectful?
• Could it hurt someone?
• Would I be comfortable if this became public?

2. Respect other people's privacy: Do not upload photographs or videos of others without their consent, especially when the content is personal or sensitive.

3. Avoid cyberbullying: Do not:

• Insult people
• Troll others
• Spread rumours
• Make threatening comments
• Create embarrassing posts about someone

4. Do not misuse hashtags or tags: Avoid unnecessarily tagging people in unrelated posts or repeatedly mentioning them to attract attention.

5. Give credit to creators: If you use someone's:

• Photograph
• Artwork
• Video
• Music
• Article
• Idea

give appropriate credit and follow copyright rules.

6. Avoid oversharing: Not everything needs to be posted online. Be careful about sharing:

• Personal details
• Travel plans
• Financial information
• Private family matters
• Personal documents
• Real-time location

7. Do not engage in online arguments: A disagreement can quickly become hostile online. If the conversation becomes abusive, it is often better to stop responding, mute, block or report rather than continue the argument.

8. Maintain professionalism: Social media can influence how others perceive us professionally. Students and professionals should remember that inappropriate posts can affect their academic and career opportunities.

9. Respond appropriately to comments: You do not have to respond to every comment. When responding:

• Be respectful.
• Avoid personal attacks.
• Correct misinformation politely.
• Ignore deliberate provocation.

10. Remember the digital footprint: Everything posted online can potentially be:

• Saved
• Screenshot
• Shared
• Reposted
• Viewed by a much larger audience

Therefore, think before posting.

4. Netiquette – The Golden Rules

Netiquette means Internet + Etiquette. It refers to the accepted rules of polite and responsible behaviour online.

The 10 Golden Rules of Netiquette

1. Be respectful.
2. Think before you post or send.
3. Do not type in ALL CAPS unnecessarily.
4. Respect privacy.
5. Do not spread unverified information.
6. Give credit to original creators.
7. Avoid cyberbullying and trolling.
8. Keep personal and professional communication separate.
9. Respect people's time and boundaries.
10. Remember your digital footprint.

Remember: Good digital communication is not only about what we say; it is also about how, when and where we say it.

THINK → CHECK → RESPECT → SEND

This simple rule can help us become responsible digital citizens.