They Called Me an Idiot! A Review of Web Etiquette

The Incident: A Case of Misplaced Homonyms and Misplaced Manners

The reader had noticed that I had incorrectly used "their" instead of "they're" in my article. While this was a simple mistake that could have been avoided with more careful proofreading, the reader's response was far from polite. Instead of stopping at pointing out the error, the reader proceeded to call me an idiot.

We all make mistakes, and we all have things that annoy us. For this reader, the misuse of homonyms was a pet peeve, and my error was a serious offense. Shielded by the anonymity of the internet, the reader felt free to launch a personal attack.

As a published author, I am no stranger to criticism and am always open to reminders to be more vigilant. However, being called an idiot was not something I was prepared for. Was I upset? A little. But more importantly, it made me realize the larger issue at hand - the problem with online etiquette.

The Problem with Online Etiquette: Anonymity and Rudeness

The inherent anonymity of online communication often emboldens people to behave in ways they wouldn't in person. The inability to see or hear the person we're communicating with should not be an excuse to treat them disrespectfully. Unfortunately, many people forget their manners when sending emails or posting on discussion boards.

I believe that if the reader had been speaking to me face-to-face, the word "idiot" would not have been used. In person, we usually try to be polite while expressing our grievances or pointing out mistakes. This basic social rule seems to have been forgotten in the online world. I have come across numerous instances of online rudeness that I believe would never have occurred in a face-to-face interaction.

The Solution: Bringing Back Good Manners to the Online World

Let's strive to bring back good manners to the online world. When writing an email, especially one that involves a complaint or correction, imagine that you're reading it aloud to the person you're writing to. Yes, you want to make your point, but there's no need to be nasty.

When participating in online discussions, maintain a conversational and calm tone, even if someone challenges your statement or question. Rise above the situation and keep things polite and respectful. If we all remember our manners, the internet can be a much friendlier and more professional place.

In conclusion, the Pew Research Center has found that 40% of internet users have personally experienced online harassment. This is a clear indication that we need to improve our online etiquette. Let's make the internet a place where constructive criticism is welcomed, but personal attacks are not.