Chatroom Etiquette

Chatroom Etiquette is the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Just like in real life, there are some things that we need to follow in chatrooms. If you are relatively new to chatting, reading the following will help you understand the unwritten rules or “etiquette” of chatroom, and help you to communicate with others.

Rule 1: Greet when you enter the chatroom.

Greet all the members when you enter the chat room. At the same welcome all newcomers that enter the chat room.

Rule 2: Don’t be idle or lurk in a chatroom

When you are in a chatroom, do take part in the conversation. If you are going to be away from your computer for a short time, tell the other users. If it’s your first time in the room, “lurking” for a while to get a feel how the chat room operates before starting a conversation is allowed and the same can be informed to other users. When you feel comfortable enough to participate in conversation, introduce yourself first just like how you would do when meeting people in a “real” meeting.

Rule 3: Respect fellow users in the chatroom.

No attacks on someone’s race, religion, gender etc. Respect the views and opions of each and every user in the chat room. If you do not agree with the views or opinions of the user, inform the users and excuse from the conversation.

Rule 4: Be friendly. Be polite. Be patient.

Remember that these are real people you are chatting with. They may have different opinions to you and come from very different cultures. Try to be patient and wait if a user is slow to respond to you during a conversation. Treat them properly and respect their opinions, and they will treat you the same.

Rule 5: No abusive language.

Don’t use any abusive language in the chatroom. Also avoid direct confrontations with abusive users. If a chat host/admin is available, alert them of the abusive user, but don’t engage with them.

Rule 6: No cursing, harassment or vulgarity.

Dont’ curse anyone in the chatroom. Don’t display any acts of harassment of a violent or sexual nature. If any user harass or talk sexually then alert a chat host/admin if available, but dont engage with them else you also might be kicked along with the user who harass.

Rule 7: No spamming.

Don’t spam or flood the room with repeated questions, statements, or links. If any user spams then alert a chat host/admin if available.

Rule 8: Don’t chat in CAPITAL LETTERS

The use of all caps or UPPER CASE sentences is a primal sin in a chatroom. It is considered as rude or shouting and also equivalent to being angry. Many people find it annoying when a user types entirely in capitals.

Rule 9: Don’t join a chatroom and then leave without saying anything.

It is considered impolite to enter a chatroom and then leave without saying anything.

Rule 10: Personal information.

Don’t use your real name or reveal any personal information about you in a chatroom.