Navigating Netiquette

Preparation

• Review scenarios in Appendix B. Make any changes that you see fit as the facilitator, including changes that help to localize the scenarios or make them more relevant to the learners.

• Familiarize yourself with netiquette do's and don'ts.

• Prepare any technology needed for scenario distribution and discussion (ie digital whiteboard frame with each scenario listed)

Technology Considerations

Virtual platform for small break out groups and discussion

Additional Context

Other netiquette guidelines that can be referenced for this activity include this, this and this video that may be shared as an explainer at the beginning of the lesson.

Tips for Localization

Encourage participants to reflect on cultural nuances in netiquette and how these may vary across different regions or communities.

Debrief Questions

• What did you learn about the importance of netiquette in online communication?

• How can applying netiquette positively impact personal and professional interactions?

• Share an example from your own experiences where netiquette made a difference.

• How can you promote netiquette within your online communities?

• Why is it essential to consider diverse perspectives and cultures in online communication?

Appendix A: Netiquette Guidelines

Do:

• Use inclusive language and images.

• Are you using words and expressions that exclude people based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, or other factors?

• Use correct names, pronouns and greetings.

• Consider cross-cultural references and interpretations.

• Are you using stereotypes?

• Share with discretion.

• Would you want a future employer to see this picture?

• Fact-check before reposting.

• Can you verify this is true? Is it kind and helpful?

• Credit the creator of images and videos.

• Consider time zones.

• When you’re planning an online meeting, class, or video call, keep in mind where everyone is located.

• Show courtesy when you’re in an online meeting.

• Make the person on the other end a priority by turning off all other devices.

• Ensure your audio and video work before the meeting begins.

• If your internet or video is slow or lagging, let the other person/people know you're turning your video off to help stabilize your internet connection.

• Join the meeting on time.

• Mute yourself when you’re not speaking.

Don’t:

• Don’t post in ALL CAPS.

• Writing in ALL CAPS can make it seem like you‘re shouting.

• Don’t “Spam” others.

• Avoid sending unwanted emails or texts.

• Don’t use humour or sarcasm that could be misinterpreted.

• Don’t overshare on social media.

• Think twice before posting once.

• Don’t share private or personal information that isn’t yours.

• Don’t be rude in an online meeting by:

• speaking over other participants

• using coarse language or jargon

• keeping your microphone on when you’re not speaking

Appendix B: Scenarios

#1. Scenario: A small local business, Green Earth Crafts, posts an advertisement on their Instagram featuring a promotion for eco-friendly art supplies. The caption reads, "Upgrade your art space with this new vibrant collection of eco-friendly art supplies! Minimalism is out – real artists embrace the riot of colors. 🌈 #BoldArtistry #CraftYourWorld #MinimalistsAreBoring". Ananya, a local artist and art teacher, sees the posts and immediately decides she won't be shopping at Green Earth Crafts anymore.

#2. Scenario: In a facebook group for local photographers, members share their recent work and seek feedback. Recently, Jay, a newer member of the group, posted their first ever photograph of a snow goose. Jay felt really proud of the photograph and developed enough confidence to post it to the group for discussion. Andrew, one of the group’s moderators, comments on the post: "Did you even bother telling the goose it’s supposed to POSE? Maybe send it to modeling school! 😂".

#3. Scenario: Sarah’s aunty Kat shared a video on her facebook profile recently of her husband Tom (Sarah’s uncle) opening their front door after a snow storm. A snow drift blocks the entire front door and Tom can be seen climbing over the snow and disappearing into it. Kat is heard laughing uncontrollably as she records the video. Sarah, who finds this video super funny, comments on Kat’s post saying “💀”. Kat responds sometime later saying “No, don’t worry, Tom is fine. He’s a bit tired from all of the shovelling but we can finally get out.” Sarah replies “I know he’s fine. I, on the other hand, am dead”. Sarah laters hears from her mom who asks her why she’s being so rude and hurtful to Aunty Kat.

#4. Scenario: Amelia has a really big and important meeting coming up with a potential collaborator for a project she’s been working on for a year. She wants to make sure everything runs smoothly. The meeting is going to be on Zoom. Before the meeting, she chats with Sam, her colleague, privately, asking if there's anything specific he wants to talk about. Amelia logs in a few minutes early, adjusts her camera, and checks her audio settings to make sure everything works well. She notices her video is lagging and that might cause some issues, so she tells the team right at the beginning of the meeting, and turns her video off temporarily to avoid interruptions. Amelia values everyone's time, so she joins the meeting right on schedule, lets everyone into the meeting, and proceeds with a round of introductions. The meeting ends exactly at the one hour mark, since that’s how much time they had scheduled for it.

Appendix C: Scenarios with possible interpretations and outcomes

#1. Scenario: A small local business, Green Earth Crafts, posts an advertisement on their Instagram featuring a promotion for eco-friendly art supplies. The caption reads, "Upgrade your art space with this new vibrant collection of eco-friendly art supplies! Minimalism is out – real artists embrace the riot of colors. 🌈 #BoldArtistry #CraftYourWorld #MinimalistsAreBoring". Ananya, a local artist and art teacher, sees the posts and immediately decides she won't be shopping at Green Earth Crafts anymore.

Possible interpretations and outcomes: The caption might be interpreted as dismissive or insensitive to individuals who appreciate and practice minimalism in their art and lifestyle. It could alienate customers who identify with minimalist values. All of that could lead to a negative brand perspective for both Green Earth Crafts and the eco-friendly art product line as well. If Ananya is a prominent local artist, her decision not to shop at Green Earth Crafts might extend to collaborations or partnerships. The advertisement's tone could influence how artists view the business and its compatibility with their values. The promotion might miss an opportunity to appeal to a broader audience by embracing both vibrant and minimalist artistic preferences. An inclusive approach could have attracted a more diverse customer base.

#2. Scenario: In a facebook group for local photographers, members share their recent work and seek feedback. Recently, Jay, a newer member of the group, posted their first ever photograph of a snow goose. Jay felt really proud of the photograph and developed enough confidence to post it to the group for discussion. Andrew, one of the group’s moderators, comments on the post: "Did you even bother telling the goose it’s supposed to POSE? Maybe send it to modeling school! 😂".

Possible Interpretations and Outcomes: Andrew's attempt at humour is perceived by Jay as mocking rather than what Andrew might have wanted to showcase, which is an understanding around how difficult wildlife photography is, and how challenging it can be to get animals to “pose”. Jay feels hurt and made fun of, and like his photograph isn’t as good as he thought it was when he first posted it. Other members of the group may know Andrew better and understand the intention of the comment, but because Jay is new, they don’t have that same advantage. Jay may hesitate to share future work, impacting their confidence in the group. The all caps and emoji are difficult for Jay to understand and interpret without knowing Andrew personally.

#3. Scenario: Sarah’s aunty Kat shared a video on her facebook profile recently of her husband Tom (Sarah’s uncle) opening their front door after a snow storm. A snow drift blocks the entire front door and Tom can be seen climbing over the snow and disappearing into it. Kat is heard laughing uncontrollably as she records the video. Sarah, who finds this video super funny, comments on Kat’s post saying “💀”. Kat responds sometime later saying “No, don’t worry, Tom is fine. He’s a bit tired from all of the shoveling but we can finally get out.” Sarah replies “I know he’s fine. I, on the other hand, am dead”. Sarah laters hears from her mom who asks her why she’s being so rude and hurtful to Aunty Kat.

Possible interpretations and outcomes: Sarah's initial comment using the skull emoji is meant to express laughter and amusement at the comical video. Peers who understand this online expression might find it relatable and engage positively with Sarah's comment. Aunty Kat clearly doesn’t have that context around the evolving way emojis are used to communicate, and interprets it as Sarah thinking Tom has hurt himself, and tries to clarify. When Kat clarifies, Sarah doesn’t take the opportunity to clarify her initial comment in a way that would resonate with Kat, leading to confusion and hurt.

#4. Scenario: Amelia has a really big and important meeting coming up with a potential collaborator for a project she’s been working on for a year. She wants to make sure everything runs smoothly. The meeting is going to be on Zoom. Before the meeting, she chats with Sam, her colleague, privately, asking if there's anything specific he wants to talk about. Amelia logs in a few minutes early, adjusts her camera, and checks her audio settings to make sure everything works well. She notices her video is lagging and that might cause some issues, so she tells the team right at the beginning of the meeting, and turns her video off temporarily to avoid interruptions. Amelia values everyone's time, so she joins the meeting right on schedule, lets everyone into the meeting, and proceeds with a round of introductions. The meeting ends exactly at the one hour mark, since that’s how much time they had scheduled for it.

Possible interpretations and outcomes: Amelia did a bunch of things right in her important Zoom meeting. Before it started, she talked to her colleague Sam to make sure they covered everything important. When she logged in early, she checked her camera and audio to make sure everything was good. Amelia noticed her video was acting up, so she told the team right away and turned it off temporarily to avoid problems. This showed she cared about everyone's experience. Amelia also joined the meeting on time, did introductions, and ended it exactly when they planned. Ideally, this potential collaborator will have been impressed with how Amelia handled this meeting and want to work with her and Sam going forward!