Characteristics
of a responsible user
and competent producer
of media and information
a. Behaves properly on the
internet
Netiquette is a set of rules for
behaving online (Shea 1994). It is
respecting other user’s views and
displaying common courtesy when
posting views on online discussion
groups (Webwise - What Is
Netiquette? 2012)
The CORE RULES of NETIQUETTE
by Virginia Shea
Rule 1: Remember the Human
A human has feeling and can be hurt by irresponsible use of media like
cyberbullying, hacking one’s online accounts, or stealing someone
else’s identity online. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others
do unto you.
Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you
follow in real life.
Whatever accepted behavior that you do at home or in your life, apply
them also when you are online.
The CORE RULES of NETIQUETTE
by Virginia Shea
Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace.
Before participating in any online platform, observe and be mindful of
what the platform is all about. If you are in a discussion group that is
talking about a specific topic, don’t insist on discussing with them other
topics not related.
Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth.
When you post something in social media or send something via online
messaging applications or emails, make sure that what you are posting
or sending do not waste someone else’s time and mobile data or
internet.
The CORE RULES of NETIQUETTE
by Virginia Shea
Rule 5: Make yourself look good online.
The less you post about yourself online, the less exposed you are to
potential online threats. So, take advantage of your anonymity. Make
sure you know what you’re talking about online and make sense. Be
pleasant and polite. Avoid using words that are offensive.
Rule 6: Share expert knowledge.
Don’t be afraid to share what you know and share any knowledge that
might benefit people.
The CORE RULES of NETIQUETTE
by Virginia Shea
Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control.
Flame war is a computer slang which means a series of angry, critical,
or disparaging comments exchanged by two or more people in an
ongoing online argument. If you think joining the flame war won’t do
any good, don’t participate.
Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy.
Know your limits and boundaries. Don’t read other people’s message,
emails, passwords etc. without their permission.
The CORE RULES of NETIQUETTE
by Virginia Shea
Rule 9: Don't abuse your power.
Don’t take advantage of people under your power. If you think you are
knowledgeable in hacking devices or you are holding a position higher
that others or is expert of something, don’t use them to get or do what
you want which might hurt other people.
Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes.
If someone made a mistake online, don’t make fun of him/her and take
action that is helpful to everyone.
b. A critical thinker
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about
what to do or what to believe. It includes the ability to engage in
reflective and independent thinking (Lau and Chan 2015).
Before posting or believing something online, THINK first. Is it
True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary or Kind?
(Responsible Use of Social Media Think 2016). For example, a
post on a social media informs its readers about a famous
celebrity’s death. Before believing the post you read, validate it
with reliable and credible source about its authenticity. Is it true
or a fake news?
c. Smart
Smart is having or showing a high degree of mental ability. It is
being intelligent and bright (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
d. Vigilant
It is knowing how to protect oneself and others on the internet or
other information sources. For example, being cautious about
pop ups or links sent that may lead you to undesirable websites
or identity theft.
e. Media Literate
It is having the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create
media in a variety of forms (Media and Information Literacy
Teaching Guide for Senior High School. Commission on Higher
Education 2016).Example: In writing a research, a person who is
media literate extracts accurate information from various
communication channels like books, journals, articles, TV or
radio programs etc. He/She will probably refrain from gathering
data from social media post contents.
f. Information Literate
It is having the ability to recognize when information is needed,
and to locate, evaluate, and effectively communicate
information in its various formats (Media and Information
Literacy Teaching Guide for Senior High School. Commission on
Higher Education 2016).
Example: In writing a research, a person who is information
literate finds and assesses information extracted from various
communication channels and gives due credit to authors or
sources.
g. Technology Literate
It is having the ability to use technological tools responsibly,
appropriately, and effectively.
Example: In writing a research, a person who is technology
knows how to use print and electronic sources in finding
information needed. He/she knows how to use to computer in
surfing the internet, voice recorder in recording interviews or
other technological tools that might help in the success of the
research.
Dos and Don’ts in using and
producing media and information
1. Do not bully.
2. Do not give away or publish your private information. Know
also your
privacy settings.
3. Do not post anything that contains false or less than true
news and events.
4. Do not publish inappropriate contents open for public.
5. Do not use inappropriate language.
Dos and Don’ts in using and
producing media and information
6. Do not use media to pirate works.
7. Consider that ethical use of information.
8. Select wisely the media and information you are going use
and produce.
9. Spread love. If it’s something that will help others, do not
hesitate to share.
10. Stop and think before you click.
11. Verify each information before sharing. Be knowledgeable.
12. Verify the source of each information you share.
13. You may not agree with others all the time but be tolerant.
Written Output:
Instructions: Answer the following questions clearly and
honestly. Use 3–5 sentences for each item. Be specific and
give examples where possible.
1. What is netiquette, and why is it important in using media
and information online? (Explain what it means and how it
helps create a respectful online environment.)
2. Describe one real or common example of media misuse or
abuse that you have seen (online or in your community). What
made it irresponsible? (Example: Sharing fake news,
cyberbullying, creating fake accounts, plagiarism, etc.)
3. If someone spreads false information online, what can be
the effects on others or the community? How can you help
prevent it? (Explain the consequences and your role as a
responsible user.)
4. As a student, how do you make sure that the content you
create or share is accurate, respectful, and ethical? (Think
about quoting sources, being original, or choosing words
carefully.)
5. What are 2 specific things you will commit to doing from
now on to become a more responsible and competent user
and producer of media and information? (Give real actions you
can apply in school or online.)
