Reflection 4
Come out with netiquette in online communicating
The internet has been one of the widely used medium to connect with one another and is mushrooming over time. It is also has been a source of information and interaction where people can collect information and connect to other users all around the world. However, since it is being widely used by all kinds of people from different background, different culture, it is hard to control the content posted and shared on the internet whether it is appropriate or suitable for others. To make it worse, some individuals think it is totally fine to reprimand, to criticise and to make fun of others’ differences just because it was not done physically. Â
Due to its negativity, we have come up with a new term for netiquette which is internethics. It means the ethics on how to use the internet properly. For the first internethics that all users should abide when interacting with their online friends is to use proper language and avoid using profanity language; which is vulgar and offensive words. This is because our personality is based on what we posted or shared on the internet. Social media is one of the examples, where it reflects individual’s personality, attitudes and also interests on something, especially for those who are quite actively involved in it.
Respect other users’ opinion is the second internethics that most people nowadays tend to forget. The internet is a platform for us to discuss freely on almost everything regardless of any issues whether in religions, politics, economics and etc. But this does not mean that we can involve in unnecessary arguments by attacking others who do not share the same beliefs as us. If we came across any issues or critics on something that we have been agreed upon, instead of replying to the comments as an intellect, we can write our own opinions and discuss it professionally. There is no use engaging in useless conversations. Everyone has their own preferences and belief and if we do not agree with it, the least we can do is to respect their ideas. Â
Other than that, internet users also need to protect their own personal information as best as they could. Everything that is posted nowadays is public and permanent. Therefore, in order to protect ourselves from any danger possible, it is encouraged for the users to avoid posting anything that is private online. For example, social media has been used by the employers nowadays to know their employee before accepting their application for jobs. It is also used by the lecturers and some issues have arisen regarding the status that has been put up online by students to mock their lecturer. Worse case scenarios may happen if you are fond of updating your whereabouts on the Internet. Cases such as robbery and rape can possibly happen as it can be used to navigate you down by the people who mean to do harm to you. Keeping your life private and confidential is better than exposing yourself to any possible danger.
With the wide range of information and current access to most everything on the Internet nowadays, children users especially should not be left unsupervised while surfing it.  It is important for the parents to limit their children’s Internet use and monitor what sites they are visiting every now and then. Despite Internet benefits children’s learning, parents should also realize the risks it may present. Spare some time with children is needed rather than letting them be isolated in their room with gadgets. It is necessary for the parents to acknowledge how vital their role is in order to not let the children become more isolated and antisocial.
