social and ethical issues of etiquette rules for appropriate behavior while on the internet

Nawal Hassouneh

Social and ethical issues of etiquette rules for appropriate behavior while on the internet

The internet world is a large world, perhaps relatively close in size to the “real world”. and with any great system, there must be guiding rules to maintain social order. Though the rules for appropriate behavior while on the internet is not specified, there are a set of unwritten rules, or common rules that most humans have ingrained in there subconscious. The first is respect for other views, cultures, and ideas. Second is security, by securing the information you share and not plagiarizing. And last is having Honesty and integrity in all your actions.

When entering the internet realm it is essential to understand that people form all different parts of the world, and people with entirely different views are online as well. It is important to understand the internets globalization and cultural diversity, and work with--or around--any differences that you may have with someone. There are billions of people in the world, chances are not everyone is going to agree completely with your views. Be flexible and open minded. Attacking the opposing party will only further illuminate the giant fallacy of the internet which is ignorance to online interaction.

Internet Security is an important component in understanding and creating a friendlier and more productive internet. Not only is it important to make sure your own work is secure, but you must beware of plagiarizing any other work. Plagiarizing is a threat to someone’s intellectual property. By using their ideas, your are stealing the most precious possession that one has; their mind. avoid “copying and pasting” works, and if you do make sure to have references to the original author.

The last point, and maybe the most important point is integrity. Most everyone is instill with values like, “don’t steal” “don’t lie”, “don’t cheat, then why so, are some able to do it behind a screen? One must understand that integrity should be there, on or offline. The common cortices that we learn in the “real world” should also apply to the virtual world. The don’t lie, don’t cheat, and don’t steal apply to the internet as well.

Internet behavior is essential for a smooth-running internet. Without these unwritten rules, the web will result in mayhem. Stick to the rules and enjoin in what is right and forbid what is evil, so if you see one who doesn’t show internet etiquette, be quick to correct him/her.