Manners matter.
Having good manners shows respect for others — and for ourselves. That includes making sure you say “please” and “thank you.” We need social skills to succeed in society. But manners aren’t just for the dinner table. We need to show proper when we go online too. So, think about the best ways to behave when you use media.
“Media” is a term that includes many forms of . When you make a phone call or connect to the Internet, you’re using media. If you’re creating a video or posting a comment, that’s a form of media too. Media can include pictures, words, or sounds that send a message. Whatever message you want to share, however, you must mind your manners.
Almost anything you do on the Internet forms a record. A photo you post at age 8 will likely be online when you’re 80. If you say something rude in a text, it will probably be available for others to read in the future. It doesn’t matter if your message was meant to be private. If you share it online, it will be out there in cyberspace somewhere.
There’s a common saying: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” That is especially true when you’re online. After all, something mean you may say could spread to other people. You could hurt someone’s feelings, even if you didn’t intend to. And you could hurt your reputation as well.
Be careful with the language you use. Avoid words that could be hurtful or harmful to others. And be sure that the information you’re sharing is true. It might be fun to use in person, but it’s not always so funny when someone else reads your sarcastic comment. Before you post something online, ask yourself whether you’d share it with the whole world. If not, you probably shouldn’t post it at all.
So, you know that what you say on the Internet may not stay private. But that doesn’t mean you have to play a part in anyone’s privacy. Show your respect for others by keeping their secrets safe. Don’t take screenshots or pictures without permission. If you want people to honor your privacy, you need to honor it for others.
It’s okay to disagree with others. But the way you do that is important. You can disagree respectfully by stating your own opinions or thoughts. Don’t steal anyone else’s ideas. Even if you aren’t copying it word-for-word, that still counts as plagiarism. And don’t make it personal when you respond. Nobody wants to be a cyberbully!
You are growing up in a new world. Everyone is figuring out the best ways to use all the amazing tools to communicate. Every day you have a choice to be kind when you go online. Media manners matter too!
Updated October 24, 2023, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
