Network communication differs in many ways from traditional communication. It is especially important that the interlocutors cannot see each other, have limited abilities to express their emotions. In addition, communication often turns out to be stretched out in time, since people may not respond to each other immediately. Finally, in many cases the interlocutors do not know each other personally.
Networking Basics
One of the basic rules of the ethics of online communication is that personal correspondence can only be made public in the most extreme cases. Alas, some people, without a shadow of a doubt, post other people's messages in the public domain, thereby compromising the interlocutor or even communicating information to others that they do not need to know at all.
Watch how you write. It is strongly discouraged to type messages in capital letters - in network ethics, this equates to a shout, so this technique can offend the interlocutor. Also, you should not alternate lowercase and uppercase letters, use transliteration for no reason. Do not use slang words and do not distort Russian phrases - this is not welcome. Finally, keep in mind that emoticons are only appropriate in informal communication, while they should not be used in business correspondence.
You should respond as quickly as possible. It is indecent to read a message and leave it unattended for several hours, or even more so for several days - the interlocutor may think that you are deliberately ignoring it, and this is offensive. If you are not able to answer right away, just inform the interlocutor about it, and he will not perceive your prolonged silence as unwillingness to continue the conversation.
What is important to consider when communicating online
Particular attention should be paid to the function of emoticons. According to the ethics of networking, they can be used, but only in moderation. If you are annoyed by emoticons, you do not need to react aggressively to the messages of the interlocutor. You can make a gentle remark, but try not to offend the other person. Remember that many people have great difficulty communicating online, because they cannot see the person they are talking to, and therefore cannot correctly assess their emotions. Smilies for them become a kind of replacement for intonations, gestures and facial expressions. They help you better understand the emotions of the interlocutor and express your attitude to the subject of the conversation.
Often, online communication implies anonymity, and some people enjoy it. They insult others, try to piss them off. Of course, this is contrary to the ethics of communication. If you come across such an interlocutor, do not answer him, so as not to provoke him even more, but rather simply ignore all negative statements. Without waiting for the right reaction, such a person will lose interest in you and stop communicating.
