Digital etiquette
Learn how practicing good digital etiquette can enhance your online interactions.
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What is digital etiquette?
Digital etiquette, or "netiquette" (network etiquette) is a set of guidelines for communicating with others and behaving respectfully online. Many of these principles reflect the same standards we follow in face-to-face interactions.
Key digital etiquette rules
- Remember the Human: Never say something online you wouldn't say in person.
- Professional Communication: Use clear language in university and work emails. Avoid slang and check the message before sending.
- Privacy & Sharing: Ask for permission before sharing private messages, emails or photos of others.
- Respectful Tone: Avoid writing in ALL CAPS, which can appear aggressive, and use humour carefully.
- Think Before Posting: Consider whether your content is appropriate for the audience and platform.
- Video Call Etiquette: Join on time, mute your microphone when not speaking, and follow expectations regarding camera use.
Why digital etiquette matters
The way you communicate online influences both your relationships and the wider digital environment. Since online communication lacks facial expressions and tone of voice, messages can be easily misunderstood.
Before sending a message or posting content, take a moment to consider how it may be interpreted by others. Showing respect, patience, and consideration helps create a positive online community.
Different spaces, different expectations
Online communities often have their own norms and expectations. The style of communication used on a university discussion board, for example, may be very different from that used on social media.
When joining a new platform or online community, spend some time observing how people interact. Understanding local expectations can help you participate confidently and appropriately.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology to intimidate, harass, threaten, or humiliate another person. It can happen through:
- social media
- messaging platforms
- online gaming
- other digital services.
Cyberbullying can have serious emotional and psychological effects, including:
- anxiety
- loss of confidence
- social withdrawal
- emotional distress.
Important information on cyberbullying
Characteristics of cyberbullying
- Persistent and widespread: It can happen at any time and follow someone into spaces that would otherwise feel safe.
- Anonymity: Individuals may hide their identity behind fake or anonymous accounts.
- Traceable: Digital communications often leave digital evidence that can be saved and reported.
Common types of cyberbullying
- Flaming: Online arguments involving offensive or hostile language.
- Harassment: Repeated abusive or harmful messages directed at an individual.
- Denigration: Sharing false or harmful information to damage someone's reputation.
- Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online.
- Outing or Trickery: Sharing private information or embarrassing images about someone else without consent.
- Exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out of online activities or groups.
- Cyberstalking/Threats: Ongoing intimidation, monitoring, or threatening behaviour, which may cross into criminal behaviour.
If you experience cyberbullying
- Do not engage: Responding may escalate the situation and reinforce the behaviour.
- Keep evidence: Save screenshots, messages, or other records.
- Block and report: Use the reporting and blocking tools available on the platform.
- Seek support: If you're concerned about yourself or someone else, support is available through .