Digital Etiquette - what to do (and what not to do) online!

What does digital etiquette mean?

• Making the most of your time online

• Increasing the skills that you use online

• Having good manners online

Answer explanation

Answer – Having good manners online.

When we are online it is really important that we treat people the way we would do ‘in real life’, by using respectful language, respecting other people’s privacy and by not excluding others.

When you are online it is OK to share a friend’s secret?

• True

• False

• Sometimes

Answer explanation

Answer – False.

If someone tells you something that they don’t want anyone to know, then it is not ok to share that information online.

What is not a good example of good digital etiquette?

• Saying something nice to a friend on social media

• Writing an email to your tutor in all caps

• Taking time to learn how people participate in an online group

Answer explanation

Answer – Writing to a tutor in all caps.

It is really important that you would respond to a tutor professionally. Your writing should reflect how you would speak to them in real life. Writing in all caps can sometimes come across as shouting and might look quite rude to the tutor reading it.

When posting a photo of your friend online you should...

• Not tell them as you took the phots so it’s up to you what happens

• Ask their permission

• Avoid posting photos on the internet

Answer explanation

Answer – Ask their permission.

It is really important that you check with your friend that they are happy for their photo to go online before you post it. Remember, as soon as you post it the control of the information has gone. People can share it, screenshot it and edit the photo, so make sure that everyone is happy with it being online.

Your friend has done something to upset you, you should...

• Speak to them directly about it

• Post something mean on social media about them

• Write a blog about them for everyone to see

Answer explanation

Answer – Speak to them directly about it.

Just like in real life, the best way to address a problem is to go directly to the person to sort it out. It is important that you don’t act in the heat of the moment and write something mean about them on social media or write a blog to tell everyone about what has happened. This could lead to cyberbullying from others and wouldn’t be nice for anyone involved.

Knowledge and understanding of digital etiquette is useful because...

• A) It helps create a positive impression of you for those you meet online

• B) It explains the technical limitations of online communication and explains the conventions already being used

• Both A and B

Answer explanation

Answer – Both A and B.

Digital etiquette can help to create a positive of you for those you meet online. It also helps to explain what the conventions are online, so what procedures and rules already exist for you to use as a guide. Your digital footprint is really important as it can be used as a marketing tool for yourself for future employers, and for all of the people that you know.

The best way to deal with online trolls is to...

• Threaten them

• Ignore them

• Copy them

Answer explanation

Answer – Ignore them.

Quite often when someone is being mean to someone online, it is because they want attention. If you react to whatever they have written or shared, then you are just giving them an opportunity to do it again. You can report trolls on all of the social media platforms but if you are really struggling with them, then tell a trusted adult to help you get the help that you need. Block their accounts and take some time away from social media. If you feel that the trolling is threatening or unlawful you can report it to the platform you are on and contact the police.

What is the best way to deal with a difficult situation online?

• Turn off the computer

• Ask an online friend for help

• Tell an adult that you trust

Answer explanation

Answer – Tell an adult that you trust.

It is really important that if you find yourself in a difficult situation that you tell an adult that you know and trust as they will be able to help you in this situation. If you just turn off the computer you are only going to face the problem when you turn it back on again. You shouldn’t be afraid of telling someone about your problem, a parent, carer or teacher will be able to help you to find a solution.

What is the best policy for interacting online?

• Say whatever comes into your head

• Respect those beliefs that match our own

• Treat others how you would like to be treated

Answer explanation

Answer – Treat others how you would like to be treated.

Just like in real life, you should be respectful of others’ opinions even if they don’t match your own. It also good to think about what you are going to post rather than what you’re feeling in the heat of the moment. Even if you delete something at a later time, it could be available for others to view and share.

Forwarding a funny message to everyone you know could be known as:

• Just a fun email

• SPAM email

• Group email

Answer explanation

Answer – SPAM email.

Emailing everyone you know a funny email might be known as SPAM as it is unavoidable and repetitive. Sometimes it is just better to share between your friends rather than everyone in your address list.