The term Netiquette is used to describe the concept of etiquette for the internet. The word etiquette, here, indicates to the rules of conduct for respectful and appropriate communication on the internet platforms.

The word netiquette has been made-up from the words: ‘net’ and ‘etiquette’. Netiquette thus describes the rules of conduct for respectful and appropriate communication on the internet.

When we use the internet, we do not communicate with devices; rather, there are real persons on the other end of the line. So, there should be some do’s and don’ts while communicating something online just as there is for offline interactions. These, always, are not legally binding rules, but recommended rules of etiquette.

Netiquette is mostly prescribed for dealing with unknown people on the internet. The rules of netiquette usually vary depending on the platform and its participants. Mostly, the authorities of these platforms (e.g. websites, online groups or communities, social media sites) form and prescribe the type and scope of netiquette expected there. They also monitor compliance with these basic rules.

So, we can say that netiquette is the set of rules about behaviour that is acceptable on the internet.

‘Community Guidelines’ of some social media platforms are common examples of netiquette.