Contemplations Contemplatin' Since 2008

Social etiquette in the Internet age

These days, almost anyone with access to the internet has at one time been asked to, or has joined a social network. For instance, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or Google's Orkut. Things have changed dramatically in the last 10 years with how people communicate with each other, and keep in touch.

The question I wish to put forward to you all is, how do you think social networks are influencing people's attitudes towards each other and their respect for each other?

Let's examine this in some further detail. I am one of the 150+ million people who use Facebook on a regular basis, and keep in touch with friends by using Facebook. From my own personal experience judging by what people place on Facebook, it's becoming all too clear to me that people see social networking as an opportunity to express themselves in often very disrespectful and sometimes vulgar ways. I think this is down to the sense of security people feel by being sat at a keyboard rather than face to face.

I find that quite a few people are very quick to argue on Facebook, probably quicker than they are in reality. Sometimes jumping into threads with vulgar language, or a very 'to the point' type of statement. I've had this personally happen to me a couple of times now. In these instances, people have openly used very offensive statements, even swear words. For me, this is a problem, not only because I don't feel it's entirely appropriate, but also because I have family & friends on my Facebook who don't wish to see such vulgarity.

With the above in mind, I'd like you to think about how social networking is affecting (or not as the case may be) mankind's communication skills, respect for each other, and overall respect for themselves. Would a person having a conversation in public simply swear at the other for disagreeing with their view point, or would they try and address the person more respectfully with a more constructive viewpoint?

In conclusion, I dare say that social networking is adversely affecting the ability of people to communicate with each other, least of all respectively. I personally find this quite sad, as respect for other people is something I strive to maintain and expect in return. How could we change this?