Cyber Etiquette

The internet has grown into a nebulous, digital social space where people from
around the world can converse, connect and share information. This medium gives
users the ability to post anything they want, from funny pictures and videos, to opinions
and critiques about any subject matter. However, just like any other social space,
certain etiquette need to be observed when surfing the internet.
Cyber etiquette means the manners applied to the internet and the use of
technology in everyday situations. The following are the said top 10 cyber etiquette.

1. Exercise the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If
you wouldn't speak to the person that way face to face, then don't do it online.

2. Remember everything you post online is public. It doesn't matter whether or not you
delete the message or text. If you've published it, it's traceable. When you post things
online, you're creating a cyber fingerprint.

3. DON'T USE ALL CAPS when you're emailing or posting something. All CAPS is a
form of internet shouting.

4. Speak kindly. Remember: it may look like a screen in front of you, but there's another
person on the receiving end.

5. Don't post things when you're angry. It's never a good idea to post something when
you're emotional. Take some time to clear your head before you deal with the situation.
This will help you refrain from saying something that you later regret.

6. Use different usernames and passwords. Don't use the same one all the time. Many
teens use the same username and password for all of their sites and this is not a good
idea. If someone figures out your security information, they'll have access to everything.
It's best to set-up different usernames and passwords for maximum protection.

7. Don't make up silly email addresses. You will use your email address for college
applications, job applications, resumes, and scholarship opportunities. Look at your
email address; does it set a good impression? If not, reset it.

8. Don't post pictures of yourself or others unless you mind them being shared with
everyone. Be very selective of what you upload on the computer. Always have your
parents review it before you post it. If your parents don't approve, you shouldn't be
putting it on the internet. If it's a friend's photo, ask yourself if their parents would want
that photo posted.

9. Don't talk to strangers. Don't get into chat rooms and reveal confidential things about
yourself. You may feel that you know the person on the other end of your cyber
connection, but he/she can be a phony.

10. Don't give out personal and confidential information online. Never share your full
name, home address, phone number, Social Security number, passwords, names of
family members, or credit card numbers.

Why Cyber Etiquette is important?

It is important for us;
 To gain respect and to react politely in the online world.
 To properly address, reply to and send messages.
 To keep order on web pages such as social networking sites, blogs, etc.
 To distinguish your limitations in using the internet
Government provisions for online courtesy and etiquette
The Republic Act No. 10175 or so called Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is
the first law in the Philippines which specifically criminalizes computer crime. It is a law
that protects an individual from various unwanted online and cyber acts that may harm
or evade one’s privacy and integrity. It aims to address legal issues concerning online
interactions. Among the cybercrime offenses included in the bill are cyber squatting,
cybersex, child pornography, identity theft, illegal access to data and libel.

Some Internet Etiquette quotes

 Tweet others the way you want to be tweeted
 Speak with caution. Even if someone forgives harsh words you’ve spoken, they
may be too hurt to ever forget them. Don’t leave a legacy of pain and regret of
things you never should have said.
 Don’t promote negativity online and expect people to treat you with positivity in
person.
 Freedom of speech doesn’t justify online bullying. Words have power, be careful
how you use them.
 Use social media for good and lift others up, not tear them down. Stay on the
high road. Keep your peace.

Cyber etiquette is essential because what you post online speaks volume about who
you really are. It tells people how you behave and how you live out your manners in the
online world. So post with intention and repost with caution.

Bible Verse:
Hebrews 13;17-Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not
with grief.

References:
Lohman, R. (2010). Cyber Etiquette for Teens. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www/psychologytoday.com/us/blog/teen-
angst/201012/cyber-etiquette-teens%3famp

Olondriz, M. (2014). Why internet etiquette is important. Retrieved from

https://hunterxnetiquette.weebly.com/blog/why-internet-etiquette-is-important

https://www.google.com/kingjamesbible.org

Republic of the Philippines (2012). Republic Act No. 10175.