Digital Etiquette

by Alexandra Mansilla

Digital Etiquette: The Dos And Don’ts Of Communication On the Internet

19 Sept 2024

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

In a world of technology, where dating and work lives are centred around texting strategy, it is vital to have some ground rules. Digital etiquette has become a buzzword, but we would still like to give our two cents.

So, what are the dos and don’ts? We asked a few people what they find acceptable and what is a no-go when communicating through messaging apps.

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

Ali Cha'aban

Creative Director of YKONE, the “why not?” artist

My friends send me a message like "Hi" on Monday, and I reply an hour later. Then, on Tuesday, they send a message, "How are you?" My immediate reaction is, "Is someone forcing you to talk to me?"

Philipp Mistakopulo

Commercial Director at The Sandy Times

— Joining a meeting without your camera on, if you don't have a valid reason, is a huge red flag for me.

— Response with one word via email — mate, why won't you use WhatsApp then?

— Send voice messages without first asking permission. Why should I interrupt a call to listen to them?

And of course — something I will never understand — why, during a work meeting, some people call me "BROTHER"?

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

Sophie She

Creative Editor at The Sandy Times

My Do’s:

— British-style emails with all “Would you be so kind” and “Have a lovely day ahead” are a must. We all have to be super-over-mega polite because texts don’t have intonation.

— Responsiveness is essential to maintain people’s will to live.

— Always check your grammar — smart is the new sexy.

My Don’ts:

— Sending an email at the weekend is a “no-no” situation.

— No agenda calls are a crime.

— Rudeness, especially via email, is even worse than verbally. Be kind; it costs you nothing!

— Emojis. Subjective, but honest. No argumentation.

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

Alexandra Mansilla

Chief Editor at The Sandy Times

— I am terrified of periods at the end of a sentence. It always feels like if someone uses a period, I must have done something wrong, and after “Hello, Alex.” there is going to be a complaint. I prefer an exclamation mark! But just one, not too many — otherwise, it feels like one’s screaming, and that is over the top.

— If you need to call someone, it is better to give a heads-up first. Don’t just call out of the blue, especially if you don’t know the person well. You know, some people just don’t like talking on the phone.

— Voice messages that are only three seconds long are for friends — they’ll tolerate it. But if you are reaching out to someone you don’t know well, it is better to send one clear message instead of several one-word texts.

— This isn't about digital communication, but it is still a rule worth remembering: if your job requires you to be in the office, please don’t stare at your colleague’s screen (whether it is their laptop or phone) — it is just rude.

by Alexandra Mansilla