On WhatsApp NETiquette
For Individuals
by Scupin Richard
1. Profile Photo:
WhatsApp is an amazing alternative for face-to-face communication. Hence, if
you do a lot of official communication, it is always preferable to have a photo
of yours on your profile slot.
2. Updating your ‘ABOUT’ line:
Since WhatsApp acts as a substitute for face-to-face communication, the
receiver may not be able to gauge, sense or predict your temperament, emotions
or body language on the virtual mode.
Hence it is always advisable
to update your status very often.
So in case, you’re
‘Driving’, the sender will decide against messaging you.
If you’re ‘Busy’, the
sender may not want to call you or text you immediately. If you’re ‘At Work’
the sender will think twice before they call you.
3. Watch Out for
the ‘ABOUT’: Always look for the ‘ABOUT’ line of your receiver, before you
message them. The ‘ABOUT’ line is the only place on WhatsApp where you can know about
the ‘availability’ of your receiver.
If the ‘ABOUT’ line is not
visible, it’s better to leave a message and give them ample time to reply to
you at their convenience. Do not ping and nudge them often. It only acts as an
irritant to the receiver.
On any given day, your teachers might receive hundreds of messages from present and past students. So they may not be able to reply to all those hundreds of messages instantly. They might want to take off to reply to you. Giving you a sample screenshot of my message line-up snapped just now. This is the case with most of us - your teachers! 😊
To every one their own sweet commitments, ain't it? So take care to respect their spaces as well!
4. First-time
Message: Remember, first impressions are best impressions – both virtual
and real as well! So when you message a
person for the very first time, never begin with a ‘Hi’ or a ‘hw r u’! It not only looks silly
and absurd, but the receiver may even tend to block you for this highly insane salutation. In such situations, netiquette
demands that you introduce yourself in as polite a way as possible when you
message your contact for the very first time.
5. Official /
formal communication: Never resort to an excessive use of emoticons unless
you are confident and convinced about what each and every emoticon stands for.
Etiquette demands
that, when your receiver has not used an emoji / emoticon, you need not use
them as well. Do not shove down a
volley of emojis on your unsuspecting receiver who may be baffled at your emoji
onslaught.
6. On ‘DP’ Photos:
Family photos / group photos / picnic photos on your DP (Display Picture) are
fine if you’re holidaying or celebrating an anniversary or birthday, or on
weekends.
But if you’re usually on
office work, or on duty, it’s always better to have your own personal profile
picture on your DP.
7. On Video / Audio
Sharing: When you share a video or audio file with someone, NETiquette demands
that, you also add a brief descriptor to what’s contained in it. For example, ‘This
video is about…’ or ‘This audio contains …’ etc.
Added, never forward any
horror videos, adult videos or embarrassing videos etc., without adding a
caution-note to them!
8. On Rumours /
Scandal: Never forward rumours, posts that are detrimental to the nation’s
interests, unconfirmed doctor’s prescriptions, malicious propaganda, character
assassination etc.
9. Being Courteous
and Kind: Always be courteous, kind and gentle in all your conversations.
Never be rude or abrupt.
Remember you’re
substituting for face-to-face communication. Courtesy and grace always
make a good impact on the receiver, while on the other hand, rude and indecent
conversation can be a dampener to any conversation.
10. Never reply
when in Anger: The rule of thumb is, when you’re irritated or angry, never
ever respond to any message.
Wait for your anger to
subside. Grab a cup of coffee, or drink some water, watch some TV, or read some
newspaper, take a walk or listen to some soulful music. Only after you are
much convinced, that your anger quotient has come down to a zero, take out your
phone, and give a polite reply.
image: freepikdotcom
