Netiquette

The term “netiquette” is a combination of the words “net” (Internet, network) and “etiquette”. It’s the set of good manners and behaviors every user should follow to improve our interactions in the digital environment, whether we are writing an email, sending a message, or even posting on social media. And why is this important today? 

The Internet has become an important tool for communication, sharing ideas, opinions and customs. However, digital communication in the form of text doesn't capture the nuances of face-to-face conversations such as the tone of voice and facial expressions, and this can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Furthermore, in virtual environments, the lack of eye contact can create a false sense of anonymity and even the feeling that the Internet is a place without rules where anything can be posted, commented on, or said without consequences. This can encourage impulsive and disrespectful behavior and attitudes that would not occur in face-to-face interactions. Examples include name-calling, insults, humiliation, and cyberbullying directed at strangers.

However, it's important to recognize that online actions can have serious real-world consequences, including legal repercussions in case of criminal behavior. A single careless comment can damage a person's reputation for the rest of their life. Just think of celebrities whose careers were “canceled” because of inappropriate comments on social media, or individuals whose images are remembered many years later because they were shared as a meme. Once something is published on the Internet, it becomes virtually impossible to remove it completely from circulation. Some people believe they can use fake profiles to spread disrespectful messages or hate speech. However, identifying who is behind a fake profile is much easier than they think.

Every social environment has its own rules of behavior, and the Internet is no exception. 

Here are some Netiquette recommendations for proper online interactions: 

Avoid typing in all caps, as this can be interpreted as shouting.
Don't use sensationalist or misleading titles just for engagement.
Respect different opinions and viewpoints.
Use irony and sarcasm with caution, as they may be difficult to identify in written communication and may therefore lead to misinterpretations.
Don't insult or attack others; this will avoid unnecessary arguments.
Think before posting! Before you post something on social media, check whether the information is relevant and accurate. If you're reposting content created by someone else, ask for permission and credit the original source.

If an online interaction affects you, pause and reflect before responding. Follow these rules to create a healthy and respectful communication space for everyone.

Topic proposed during the Hackathon organized at Mackenzie University (SP), developed by Bruno Castro Tomaz and Gustavo Saad Maluhy Andrade.

Description 
In the first scene, a young man appears to be thinking. Above him, the phrase “Respect Netiquette and think before you post” appears. The man engages in a healthy manner on social media.

In the next scene, another young man sees a post he doesn't like and responds with mean-spirited comments while he laughs. The phrase at the top of the screen changes to “Avoid commenting impulsively”.

In the second scene, the man is in a formal setting, wearing a suit, talking to the first character who disapproves of his past comment and attitude. The man looks sad. The phrase changes to “Your online behavior can affect your life offline”. 

In the final scene, two hands appear from two cell phones and engage in a handshake, symbolizing respectful online interactions. The video ends with the phrase “Respect comes first, even on the Internet!”