Core Rules of Netiquette
1. Respect Others: Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Avoid personal attacks and
inflammatory language.
2. Think Before You Post: Consider the impact of your words before sharing them. Once
posted, it can be difficult to retract.
3. Be Clear and Concise: Use clear language and be as concise as possible to avoid
misunderstandings.
4. Use Appropriate Language: Avoid slang and jargon that others may not understand,
and refrain from using offensive language.
5. Respect Privacy: Do not share personal information about others without their consent.
6. Acknowledge Sources: Give credit where it's due when sharing information, images, or
content created by others.
7. Avoid Spam: Do not send unsolicited messages or post irrelevant content in forums or
discussions.
8. Stay on Topic: Keep discussions relevant to the subject at hand to maintain focus and
engagement.
9. Use Emoticons Wisely: When appropriate, emoticons can help convey tone, but don’t
overuse them.
10. Be Forgiving: Everyone makes mistakes; be understanding when others do and help
them learn from it.
The 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics
1. Thou Shalt Not Use a Computer to Harm Other People: Avoid using technology to
harm or harass others.
2. Thou Shalt Not Interfere with Other People’s Computer Work: Respect others’ work
and avoid disrupting their activities.
3. Thou Shalt Not Snoopy Around in Other People’s Computer Files: Access only the
information you are authorized to view.
4. Thou Shalt Not Use a Computer to Steal: Do not engage in theft of data, software, or
any digital content.
5. Thou Shalt Not Use a Computer to Bear False Witness: Do not spread
misinformation or false claims online.
6. Thou Shalt Not Copy or Use Proprietary Software for Which You Have Not Paid:
Respect software licenses and intellectual property rights.
7. Thou Shalt Not Use Other People’s Computer Resources Without Authorization:
Always get permission before using someone else's resources.
8. Thou Shalt Not Appropriate Other People’s Intellectual Output: Give credit to
original creators and do not claim others' work as your own.
9. Thou Shalt Think About the Social Consequences of the Program You Are Writing
or the System You Are Designing: Consider the broader impact of your work on
society.
10. Thou Shalt Always Use a Computer in a Manner that Honors the Principles of this
Code of Ethics: Adhere to ethical standards in all computer-related activities.
These guidelines and commandments help foster a respectful and ethical online environment,
promoting positive interactions in digital spaces.