Introduction

The world of computers and online communication has brought with it a new vocabulary. As people explore the “Information Superhighway,” whether they realize it or not; they have learned a whole new set of words (Algeo, John & Adele). For example, cyberspace, cyberboard, cyborg, e-mail, flame, nettie, and of course, netiquette, are just a few of the new words associated with the online world (Algeo, John & Adele). The word netiquette refers to rules and guidelines of appropriate behavior while on line (Algeo, John & Adele). On a daily basis people are emailing, updating blogs, and communicating back and forth through their computers. With the fast pace of society, “e-mail is quickly becoming the most common method of communication used in business today (Hughes, Liz).” The Internet allows people from different cultures, backgrounds, and religions to merge into one medium (Preece, Jenny). People who would never have met other wise are meeting and sometimes becoming good friends. It is “necessary” for internet users to practice good netiquette, due to the emergence of different cultures, into one communication medium (Preece, Jenny).” Etiquette is developed within cultures and communities and is based on what is accepted by that particular culture (Preece, Jenny). Socially acceptable behaviors that are okay in one culture could be completely unacceptable in another culture (Preece, Jenny). Thus, when talking online it is important to have good netiquette to avoid offending others in cyberspace. Depending on which media is being used, etiquette, changes slightly. In fact, “different types of technology require different forms of etiquette (Preece, Jenny).” Whether through email, blogs, or instant messaging, the different communication styles, also have different forms of etiquette associated with them (Preece, Jenny).

References

Algeo, John; Algeo, Adele. (1994). Among the New Words. American Speech, 69, 4, pp. 398-410, [Electronic Version]. Retrieved November 14, 2006, from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/view/00031283/ap020141/02a00050/0?currentResult=00031283%2bap020141%2b02a00050%2b0%2cFF0F&searchUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jstor.org%2Fsearch%2FBasicResults%3Fhp%3D25%26si%3D1%26Query%3DAmong%2BNew%2BWords.

Hughes, Liz. (2003). e-mail etiquette: think before you send. Women in Business, 55, 4, p29, [Electronic Version]. Retrieved November 18, 2006 from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=42&hid=101
&sid=d1208530-5f2e-4481-b33d-90b66885899a%40sessionmgr104.

Preece, Jenny. (2004). Etiquette Online: From Nice to Necessary. Communications of the ACM, 47, 4, pp. 56-61, [Electronic Version]. Retrieved November 14, 2006 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=7&hid=101&sid=d1208530-5f2e-4481-b33d-90b66885899a%40sessionmgr104.