Netiquette Examples: The 3 Online Etiquettes to Know

Netiquette Examples

Imagine attending a dinner party. There are rules to follow, like not speaking with your mouth full and listening when others talk. These unwritten social norms apply to online communication too, a realm we call ‘netiquette.’ Just like in a dinner party, your manners online can make or break your reputation.

Summary

Netiquette, or internet etiquette, refers to the principles and manners applied to online communication to foster respect, understanding, and efficient exchanges between internet users.

Example 1: The “Godwin’s Law” (1990). Invented by Mike Godwin in 1990, it states that as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one. It was created to encourage more substantive debates and discourage the use of hyperbolic comparisons.

Example 2: Barack Obama’s Twitter Etiquette (2007). As the first U.S. president to embrace social media, Barack Obama displayed exceptional netiquette during his presidency. He managed to engage millions through his well-articulated tweets, maintaining a courteous and respectful tone, and avoiding personal attacks, showing us how leaders should communicate in the digital era..

Example 3: The Reddit Community’s Unwritten Rules (2005). The Reddit community has its own set of netiquette rules, from the general “don’t be a jerk” to more specific rules like not downvoting an honest question. These norms have shaped Reddit into a respectful digital community where people can discuss virtually any topic.

Don’t become a victim of cybercrime. Protect your devices with the best antivirus software and your privacy with the best VPN service.

Netiquette Examples In-Depth

The “Godwin’s Law” (1990)

Imagine you’re in the middle of an online debate, exchanging thoughts with folks from different corners of the globe. It’s just like a lively town hall discussion. One moment, you’re debating the nutritional value of avocados, and suddenly someone drops a bomb – a comparison to Hitler or Nazis. Sounds out of place, right? This sudden derailment of the conversation is so common, it even has a name – Godwin’s Law.

Godwin’s Law was first coined in 1990 by Mike Godwin, an American attorney and author. Picture Godwin, watching discussions on his screen unfold, one keyboard stroke at a time. He observed that as online arguments grew longer and more heated, the probability of someone making a comparison to Hitler or the Nazis inevitably approached one. You might wonder, why would people make such drastic comparisons? That’s the magic (or tragedy) of online debates. They can spiral into areas that no one anticipated, losing sight of the original topic, much like a heated game of table tennis where the ball keeps going off the table.

But Mike Godwin didn’t just sit back and watch the show. He proposed this law as a means to inspire higher quality discussions. Godwin’s Law serves as a gentle nudge or a firm reminder, call it what you will, to participants in online debates. It’s like the person at a meeting who raises their hand and says, “Hey, let’s stick to the topic.” The law reminds us to debate logically and substantively, not fall into the trap of making overblown, sensational comparisons. It discourages the tendency to use hyperbole as a tool to win arguments and fosters a culture of meaningful, respectful dialogue.

In essence, Godwin’s Law is more than just an observation about online communication patterns. It’s one of the earliest and most influential components of netiquette, encouraging us to be considerate and thoughtful in our online interactions. Much like a lighthouse guiding ships in the dark, Godwin’s Law guides us to keep our online discussions on track, focused, and productive. So, the next time you find yourself in a debate online, remember Mike Godwin and his wise law.

Indeed, the internet has evolved a lot since 1990, but the essence of Godwin’s Law still rings true. It serves as a timeless reminder that in the realm of online communication, the aim is not to win arguments through inflammatory comparisons, but to create spaces for meaningful, productive, and respectful conversations.

Barack Obama’s Twitter Etiquette (2007)

Imagine strolling down the street and bumping into a politician who talks with you as if you were an old friend. He listens, answers your questions, and maintains a respectful tone throughout the conversation. That’s the kind of experience millions of people worldwide had when interacting with the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, on Twitter.

When Barack Obama stepped into the political limelight in 2007, he brought along not only his charisma but also an unprecedented digital savvy. He recognized the power of social media as a tool for communicating directly with citizens, and Twitter became his preferred platform. Yet, it wasn’t just Obama’s use of the platform that was groundbreaking; it was how he used it.

Like a kind teacher or a considerate friend, Obama established a tone of respect and thoughtfulness in his tweets, setting an excellent example of Twitter netiquette. Whether he was discussing healthcare reform, addressing national tragedies, or simply sharing holiday greetings, his tweets were well-crafted and respectful. He avoided the pitfalls of offensive language, personal attacks, or controversial jargon. Each tweet became a lesson in good netiquette, demonstrating that effective communication can coexist with politeness and respect.

One crucial aspect of Obama’s Twitter etiquette was his willingness to engage with differing viewpoints. Social media, like a lively city square, is a place where varied ideas come together. Obama didn’t shy away from this. Instead, he embraced the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations. Whether responding to criticism or acknowledging good points made by others, his conduct mirrored the essence of good netiquette: respectful and open communication.

Another hallmark of Obama’s Twitter netiquette was his consistent authenticity. Despite the formal nature of his position, his tweets carried a personal touch, showing his human side. He shared moments with his family, celebrated achievements of ordinary Americans, and even showcased his sense of humor. This authentic communication drew people in, fostering a sense of connection and making the political world a little more personal and a little less intimidating.

Barack Obama’s Twitter etiquette is a shining example of how leaders can use digital platforms effectively and respectfully. It serves as a benchmark in our digital age, reminding us that the principles of respect, openness, and authenticity hold true, whether in a face-to-face conversation or within the 280 characters of a tweet. So, whether you’re a seasoned Twitter user or a newbie, consider Obama’s example. It’s about bringing your best self into the online world, just as you would in the real one.

The Reddit Community’s Unwritten Rules (2005)

Picture yourself walking into a bustling town square. Everywhere you look, there are groups of people engaged in passionate discussion. The topics range from cats’ quirky behaviors to quantum physics. This vibrant, diverse town square is a real place in the digital world. It’s called Reddit.

Founded in 2005, Reddit quickly became a popular destination for internet users looking to discuss virtually anything. The platform is structured into subreddits, which are like small neighborhoods dedicated to particular topics. Here, you can chat about your favorite books in /r/books or exchange gardening tips in /r/gardening. It’s like an online equivalent of clubs or hobby groups, each with its own set of traditions and norms. These unwritten rules, known collectively as Reddit’s netiquette, have shaped it into a respectful and engaging digital community.

One of the most fundamental unwritten rules on Reddit is, “Don’t be a jerk.” Sounds simple, right? Yet, in the anonymity of the internet, it’s an important reminder. It’s like the golden rule of playgrounds or classrooms – treat others as you’d like to be treated. On Reddit, this translates into respecting others’ views, avoiding personal attacks, and keeping conversations civil, even in heated debates.

Another important rule is to contribute meaningfully. Imagine joining a book club and instead of discussing the chosen book, you repeatedly talk about your favorite TV show. It would be disruptive and off-topic, wouldn’t it? Similarly, on Reddit, it’s important to stay on topic and contribute constructively to the conversation. That means no spamming, no trolling, and no pointless comments. It’s about enhancing the discussion, not derailing it.

A more specific rule in the Reddit community is not to downvote an honest question. In the Reddit world, downvotes are a form of feedback. If a comment or post is offensive, irrelevant, or just plain wrong, you downvote it. But an honest question, even if it seems simple or naive to some, shouldn’t be downvoted. Think of it as a classroom where no question is a stupid question. Encouraging curiosity and learning is a key element of Reddit’s netiquette.

Reddit’s unwritten rules aren’t enforced by algorithms or moderators, but by the community itself. It’s a community-led effort to maintain a respectful, engaging environment. So, the next time you venture into the world of Reddit, remember these unwritten rules. Like a traveler respecting local customs, you’ll find your experience on Reddit richer and more enjoyable if you adhere to its unique netiquette.

Conclusion

As we journey through the realm of online communication, the importance of netiquette becomes more apparent. From Godwin’s insightful observation in the early days of internet discussions, Barack Obama’s revolutionary and respectful use of Twitter, to the unwritten but universally understood rules of Reddit, netiquette helps maintain a respectful and constructive atmosphere. These examples illustrate how we, as digital citizens, can contribute to more pleasant and productive online interactions. It’s about being our best selves online, just as we strive to be in real life. So, let’s remember these lessons in netiquette as we log in to our digital world each day, making it a better place, one post, tweet, or comment at a time.

How to stay safe online:

• Practice Strong Password Hygiene: Use a unique and complex password for each account. A password manager can help generate and store them. In addition, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available.
• Invest in Your Safety: Buying the best antivirus for Windows 11 is key for your online security. A high-quality antivirus like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender will safeguard your PC from various online threats, including malware, ransomware, and spyware.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious when receiving suspicious communications that ask for personal information. Legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive details via email or text. Before clicking on any links, ensure the sender's authenticity.
• Stay Informed. We cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics on our blog. And there are several credible sources offering threat reports and recommendations, such as NIST, CISA, FBI, ENISA, Symantec, Verizon, Cisco, Crowdstrike, and many more.

Happy surfing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions.