"Etiquette in technology, colloquially referred to as netiquette is a term used to refer to the unofficial code of policies that encourage good behavior on the Internet which is used to regulate respect and polite behavior on social media platforms, online chatting sites, web forums, and other online engagement websites."
Knowing how to communicate through direct messages appropriately and to avoid being intrusive or spammy.
Introduction to Direct Messaging Etiquette: This topic covers the basics of how to communicate with others over direct messaging on social media platforms.
Tone and Language: This topic covers the appropriate tone and language to use when communicating over direct messaging. It includes guidelines on how to be polite, professional, and avoid being too casual.
Timing: This topic covers the best times to send direct messages and how often to follow-up. Sending too many messages too quickly or too late in the day can be seen as inappropriate, so it's important to understand proper timing.
Responding to Messages: This topic covers the proper way to respond to direct messages. It includes tips on how to be prompt, how to address the sender, and how to maintain a professional tone.
Handling Criticism and Negative Feedback: This topic covers how to deal with negative feedback over direct messaging. It includes guidelines on how to respond professionally, how to handle criticism, and how to avoid getting defensive.
Understanding Privacy and Confidentiality: This topic covers privacy and confidentiality issues when sending direct messages. It includes guidelines on what information should be shared and what information should be kept confidential.
Culturally Sensitive Messaging: This topic covers how to be culturally aware and sensitive when sending direct messages. It includes guidelines on how to avoid using language that might be perceived as disrespectful or insensitive.
Avoiding Spam and Unwanted Messages: This topic covers how to avoid sending spam or unwanted messages. It includes guidelines on how to avoid sending too many messages too quickly, how to avoid sending messages to people who have not expressed interest, and how to avoid sending messages that are not relevant.
Netiquette: This topic covers the basics of netiquette, including how to be polite, friendly, and respectful when communicating online.
Tools and Techniques: This topic covers the various tools and techniques that can be used to send direct messages. It includes guidelines on how to use emojis, GIFs, images, and other multimedia to enhance communication.
Respectful language: Using polite and respectful language in direct messages helps to maintain a positive and professional tone.
Appropriate tone: The tone of your message should be appropriate to the situation and the recipient, avoiding anything that might come across as rude, aggressive, or confrontational.
Timeliness: Direct messages should be sent in a timely manner, but not at a time that is inconvenient for the recipient.
Proper formatting: Proper formatting, including using proper grammar and spelling, is important when communicating through direct messages.
Avoiding spamming: Avoid sending spam messages, as this can be seen as rude and unprofessional.
Keeping messages concise: Direct messages should be to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
Responding quickly: Responding to messages quickly shows that you are attentive and interested in the conversation.
Considering cultural differences: It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when communicating with others, to avoid being unintentionally disrespectful or insensitive.
Avoiding personal attacks: In order to maintain a respectful and professional tone, it is important to avoid personal attacks or insults.
Avoiding oversharing: Avoid sharing personal or private information in direct messages, especially with people you do not know well.
Respecting boundaries: Respect the boundaries of your recipient, such as their time, preferences, or communication style.
Professionalism: Maintaining a professional tone when communicating via direct message is important, even in more casual settings.
Transparency: Be transparent and honest in your communication, avoiding any misrepresentations or deceits.
Confidentiality: Avoid disclosing any confidential information or secrets that you have been entrusted with.
Providing context: Provide sufficient context when communication to avoid any confusion, misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
"It is a social code that is used in all places where one can interact with other human beings via the Internet, including text messaging, email, online games, Internet forums, chat rooms, and many more."
"The rules of etiquette that apply when communicating over the Internet are different from these applied when communicating in person or by audio (such as telephone) or photographic phone."
"It can be a challenge to communicate on the Internet without misunderstandings mainly because input from facial expressions and body language is absent in cyberspace."
"Several rules, in an attempt to safeguard against these misunderstandings and to discourage unfriendly behavior, are regularly put in place at many websites, and often enforced by moderation by the website's users or administrators."