Netiquette is a way that we are able to study communication through digital media. Netiquette is considered conversational wisdom, or the basic rules and guidelines by which we interact electronically. Like every form of communication there are always rules that are used to make communication as easy and effective as possible. Netiquette evolved to help digital media users behave appropriately. Electronic interaction and digital media are one of the main mediums of communication in today’s world, and having netiquette knowledge is essential in successful cyberspace communication. There are all types of forms of netiquette including general netiquette, email netiquette, and netiquette ethics.
General netiquette applies to the politeness and overall respect you give others when electronically conversing. Netiquette is important to communication because the internet gives individuals an abundance of freedom and if used improperly it has a negative affect on society. For example, Shea states, the ten commandments of netiquette. “Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work. Thou shalt not snoop around other people’s files. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or credit. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write. And Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect” (1994). The guidelines are similar to how we are expected to act in real life. Users have to remember that there is another person on the other side, and they should act accordingly. Along with displaying common courtesy, digital media users must always remember that they are being judges on what they say and how they say it. For instance, on websites like Myspace and Facebook, users are able to add content, design, and maintain profiles that represent themselves. These profiles can be simple or complex depending on the user and they are interpreted and judged by other users. The idea is to always make conscious decisions and always think of the possible repercussions or consequences that could result from your actions.

Shea, Virginia (1994), Netiquette. Albion Books. San Francisco. P 32-33.