LOL, ROFL, SUS, RIZZ, NO CAP…if these are terms you are unfamiliar with, then welcome to the GEN Z era!

Although there is much more than just these words to identify the line that separates Gen Z and those who came before them, online presence and how you communicate play a massive role in positively impacting online society. 

Even though we may not physically see who is online and who isn’t, it doesn’t mean others aren’t a part of the online space. It’s our moral responsibility to maintain a fair and open space for all to share their online visibility with others.

As the world grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, an unprecedented shift in online behaviour became evident. Social media became the cornerstone of connectivity, serving as a lifeline for billions worldwide.

Here’s a quick look at the stats and changes that shaped online presence during Covid 19 and life after it:

• In the U.S., daily social media usage soared to 65 minutes per day in 2020, a notable increase from previous years.
• Across the globe, major social platforms experienced remarkable growth rates in monthly active users, with TikTok leading the pack at a staggering 38% surge.
• From Facebook to Twitter, established players also witnessed significant spikes in user engagement, underscoring the universal reliance on social networking.
• As 2021 unfolded, the focus shifted towards vaccine information, reflecting users’ quest for knowledge and reassurance.
• Beyond information dissemination, social platforms fostered virtual socialization, bridging physical distances and nurturing human connections in isolation.
• Video conferencing platforms have become popular, facilitating virtual gatherings and professional engagements.
• In the realm of entertainment, short-form video content gained immense traction, with TikTok emerging as the go-to platform for captivating content.
• Online dating also witnessed a surge, with platforms like Badoo experiencing a rise in traffic as individuals sought companionship amidst lockdowns and social restrictions.

During this monumental shift, one topic that emerged as a vital note for navigating the online medium was “Netiquette”.

Online etiquette, also known as Netiquette, is a set of guidelines for appropriate and respectful online behaviour. Online etiquette can apply to various aspects of the internet, such as email, social media, forums, video chats, and online classes.

Online etiquette has several benefits that can alter how we improve our online presence and create a safe space for those we interact with.

• It promotes positive online interactions and helps maintain a respectful and safe digital environment.
• It protects you from cyberbullying, harassment, and legal issues.
• It enhances your online reputation and credibility.
• It improves your communication skills and professionalism.

The impending need for online etiquette plays a vital role in raising awareness of the need for cyberbullying and how it has influenced the way we behave online. 

According to a study conducted by The Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth (CHSCY), the Canadian Internet Use Survey (CIUS), the General Social Survey (GSS-Cycle 34) on Victimization and the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces (SSPPS), Cyberbullying has emerged as a prevalent concern in today’s digital landscape, with a staggering 25% of teens aged 12 to 17 reporting experiences of online victimization in 2019. From threats and insults to exclusion and hurtful information, the forms of cyberbullying are diverse and impactful.

As age advances, so does the susceptibility to cyberbullying, mirroring the increased engagement with social media platforms. Surprisingly, gender doesn’t significantly alter the likelihood of victimization, except for non-binary teens who face disproportionately higher rates of online harm. 

Delving deeper, teens embracing non-heteronormative identities or those with educational accommodations face heightened risks, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of cyberbullying.

In the light of these daunting stats, a young gamer, Bryan, shared his insights on the need to be morally right and maintain online etiquette.

“As a gamer who enjoys conversing with people worldwide, online etiquette holds our international community together, encouraging cooperation and harmony. However, unnecessary negativity and toxic conversation can occasionally upset the balance. Awareness of how our comments influence others and abiding by a code of conduct that promotes inclusion and sportsmanship improves everyone’s overall gaming experience.”

Now that we have established the basics of Netiquette, here are some basic ground rules to maintain online etiquette.

• Be polite and respectful to others, and avoid using offensive or abusive language.
• Be mindful of your tone, punctuation, and grammar, and avoid using all caps, multiple exclamation points, or sarcasm.
• Be careful with humour and jokes, and ensure they are understood and understood in context.
• Cite your sources and give credit to others when using their information or ideas.
• Don’t post or share inappropriate, illegal, or confidential material.
• Don’t spam, troll, or flame others; don’t engage in arguments or personal attacks.
• Be forgiving and understand others’ mistakes, and apologize if you make one.

Implementing online etiquette is a responsibility we all have to ourselves as it has to first transform how we behave; only then does it make sense to justify how others ought to behave online. It is highly subjective since everyone can express their views and opinions, but the stats speak otherwise.

Here are some keywords you can maintain in your arsenal while perusing online or while interacting with someone online:

1. Lurking: Silently observing before diving into the conversation. Get acquainted with the group’s vibe to ensure a seamless integration.
2. FAQs exploration: Dive into the FAQs ocean. Unearth answers to common questions and dodge the faux pas of redundancy. Save face and earn respect by being well-versed in the community’s basics.
3. Remember the Human: It’s easy to forget the humanity behind the screens in the virtual realm. Pause, reflect, and engage with empathy. Real emotions dwell behind every username.
4. Flame-Free zone: Keep your cool and steer clear of fiery conflicts. Respectful discourse reigns supreme. Choose civility over chaos and foster a harmonious digital environment.
5. Shouting taboo: Save the caps lock for emergencies. Shouting won’t get you heard; it’ll only drown your message. Emphasize elegance, not aggression.
6. No homework shortcut: Resist the temptation to exploit online groups as your personal research assistants. Respect the community’s purpose and invest in your groundwork before seeking quick fixes.
7. Composition mastery: Craft your messages with finesse. Grammar glitches and sloppy punctuation detract from your credibility. Be clear, concise, and compelling to spark meaningful interactions.

Speaking with a teacher who was part of the pre-COVID era and currently faces the generation post the changes brought by COVID-19, Benjamin shared his take on online etiquette.

“Changes in communication or how people communicate with each other is a very normal and real-world thing. As long as the conversation between people is not offensive to anyone in the group, it’s ok. English as a language itself is changing. None of us speak the same way as we did 10-12 years ago. Even the terminologies we’ve used then and now are so different. I feel it’s important to adapt.”

The need for online etiquette has increased, with language evolving across cultures and platforms. Speaking a certain way and using relevant terminologies has become a cultural identifier. However, despite the changes, one can still adapt to change and stay morally grounded to create a safe and equal space for all who access the internet.