Digital etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes referred to, is a basic set of rules pertaining to behaviour that needs to be followed to ensure the Internet is better for all users. Basically it means “the use of good manners in online communication such as email, forums, blogs, and social networking sites” (Digital Citizenship, Auburn University. [s.a.]).
The word ‘etiquette’ means “The forms required by good breeding or prescribed by authority in social or official life.” The origin of the word stems from the French word ‘ticket’; if you knew the etiquette for the group or society, you would have a

10 points of netiquetee

1. Remember the Human -  Never forget that the person reading your communication is actually a person with feelings and can get hurt. Essentially never say anything online that wouldn't say to your reader’s face (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015,)
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life - Be ethical in your engagement and know that breaking the law is bad netiquette (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84). 
3. Know where you are in cyberspace - The netiquette required will differ from domain to domain. If you are in a forum of experts, your netiquette should reflect respect. Whereas if you are in a chat room with a group of friends (you know in real life) then the netiquette will differ (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84)
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth - When sharing files or documents, bear in mind the audience’s bandwidth. Furthermore, make sure you read the FAQs first before asking mundane questions where the answers already exist. If you disagree with a group’s discussion, don’t waste their (or your) time by telling them how stupid they are: Just stay away (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84). 
5. Make yourself look good online - Check grammar and spelling before you post. Most people judge others’ intelligence based on the use of grammar and spelling. Only post on things you know about, it is not worth it to look like the fool. 
6. Share expert knowledge - Offer answers and help others where you can (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84). 
7. Help keep flame wars under control - Don’t respond to flame-bait, don’t post spelling or grammar flames, and apologize if you have done so or perpetuated a flame-war Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85). 
8. Respect other people’s privacy - Don’t give out other people’s details, online or offline (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85). 
9. Don’t abuse your power - The more power you have, the more important it is how you use it (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85). 
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes - We were all once beginners and should accept that everyone has to start somewhere (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85).