Digital Etiquette and Responsible Social Interactions

Digital etiquette and responsible social interactions is just a translation, application, and reflection of how students should act in the physical world, but it is in the digital aspect. Students should have excellent and mature manners while dealing with digital technology because it is just another form of communication. The same etiquette or polite manners they would use in conversation with adults, teachers, and other students for that matter should carry over to the digital format. The way they speak, the tone and attitude in which they digitally communicate in, and how they treat others all fall under this category. Being responsible in their social interactions should also come from how they would treat each other on the playground or at lunch let’s say. Much of today’s young generation’s social interactions occur on social websites like Facebook. There have been many “bullying” incidents reported and this is what could be shared as an example of what NOT to do. It is not acceptable nor is it how they should treat each other. It seems that the digital age has given people more power behind their computer screen than they would normally hold in person. Students need to be told this is not a chance to lash out, more so that digital technology is just another fun, speedier communication tool and should be used responsibly and accordingly. This needs to be addressed so that students know how to behave and treat others while utilizing digital technology.