Netiquette: Definition & History

Netiquette comes from the combination of network and etiquette. A network is a collection of computers and devices that are connected enabling communication. Etiquette is a code of behavior according to contemporary and conventional norms. Therefore, netiquette is the code of the internet because the internet is a network and etiquette is a code.

The term first appeared on list serve and other discussion networks. As the internet has grown so has the use of the word netiquette. It is synonymous with internet etiquette.

The basic rule of netiquette is to use good manners while communicating via the internet. Many websites offer netiquette definitions, rules, and tips, but the basic rule remains the same. Use good manners. There are recurring rules and themes on many websites because it is universal.

Rules of Netiquette

The concepts, general rules, and network specific rules of netiquette are universal and are listed throughout this website. The concepts of netiquette include remembering to be human and helping others learn how to use the internet. The general rules of netiquette are ones that apply to the internet in general. Network specific rules of netiquette are rules that only apply to the network you are communicating on.

Remembering to be human and helping others learn how to use the internet are the concepts of netiquette because they are the spirit of the internet. The internet was created so that we could share information.

Remembering to be human means that you remember that you are a real person, not an avatar or something, dealing with real people. Some people do or write outrageous things online that they would never do or say in reality. From this concept we get rules.

For example, A general rule that comes from the concept of being human is not to do or say something online that you would not do or say in reality.

A network specific rule may be not to do or say anything you would not do or say in front of your Grandmother because your at work in a professional environment.

Helping others learn how to use the internet means answering questions when you can. We all had to learn from somebody so we all have to teach somebody the ropes. Whether your answering an expert question or just giving someone kudos or a like when they post something good it helps everyone learn how to use the internet.

Who uses netiquette anyway?

Everyone who uses the internet uses netiquette whether or not it is good or bad because netiquette is how you communicate on the internet. We promote the use of good or proper internet netiquette because that it is the spirit of the internet. There is good e-mail, MySpace, and Facebook netiquette, just to name a few networks and their rules of netiquette can be found on this site.

Good netiquette is taught on the internet and in schools across the United States and the world. In fact, South Korea has one of the most developed netiquette curriculum in the world. As previously mentioned, there are many websites that promote good netiquette.