Description of Digital Etiquette

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Etiquette:  Standards of conduct to follow which are expected by others that you will follow. Etiquette could also be referred to as common courtesies, being considerate, using good manners, being respectful, acting politely, etc.

Digital Etiquette:  You may not be an expert on manners, but we all hold to some degree of etiquette in many different situations. Consider the following examples:

• Covering your mouth when you cough.
• Chewing with your mouth closed.
• Refraining from talking when you’re chewing food.
• Holding a door open for the person walking in behind you.

Likewise, situations involving technology also exist where most people would agree on what is proper behavior:

• Have you ever heard loud, obnoxious cell phone ringtones when you're in a public place?
• Have you ever heard another person speaking so loudly on their cell phone that you thought they were speaking to you?
• Have you seen people carry on a conversation with someone without removing their ear buds to their iPod?

We recognize inappropriate behavior when we see it. Although good etiquette is not a rule or a law in our society, acting with courtesy and consideration towards others is an expectation. A lack of etiquette shows a lack of consideration for others around you and also reflects poorly on you, as people often judge us by our actions. Be aware of how your actions using technology could be affecting others.

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