We live in a world where connecting and communicating online may be even more common than chatting with friends in person. And, to a certain extent, as your friendly neighborhood Internet provider, we are okay with that. (We have to pay the bills somehow.) The digital world has made it easier to text every thought that pops into your head, keep in touch, and work from anywhere. However, it’s also brought out a troubling trend (cue menacing music): the rise of the “Keyboard Cowboy.”
You might know one, if only by a recognizable name on social media. (Did you see what @IMissTheO’sFries*, @JalapenoHannahIsMyHomegirl* fired off on Facebook today?) A Keyboard Cowboy (no offense to real cowboys, who we love, but not the Dallas Cowboys, who we do not) is a person who feels emboldened behind a screen—firing off harsh emails, posting unkind comments, or stirring up conflict online.
Our Kindergarten teachers taught us all to be kind. Digital etiquette is as important as in-person manners. So here’s a quick refresher on how to be kind and exercise some good digital citizenship.
Take a deep breath
Or, as the kids say, “Touch grass.” (It’s a little snarky, but still pretty good advice). If a coworker fires off a message that stings, don’t reply right away. When you feel your blood pressure rise and your typing fingers twitch, it is a great time to go outside and get some fresh air, take a walk (not to their desk), or grab a fresh cup of coffee. A change of scenery and clearing your mind may help relax your reply.
Remember the Golden Rule
Message unto others as you would have sent unto you. (Or something like that.) You don’t like reading or receiving mean comments, so don’t send them. Before hitting send, ask yourself: Would I say this to their face or even over the phone? If it’s something that would make Aunt Suzy, who thinks so highly of you, raise an eyebrow—reconsider. And don’t forget the basics: a simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way in keeping things friendly.
Remember the person behind the screen
Reading words on a screen makes it easy to forget that a person wrote that message, but remember that you are still speaking to another person. A little bit of humanity and empathy goes a long way towards proper digital etiquette. Give them a little grace—tone, sarcasm, and confusion don’t always translate well in text, and you miss out on body language and non-verbal cues. You may even reread their initial comments and realize you misinterpreted them.
By pausing before we post, choosing our words thoughtfully, and remembering the person on the other side, we can spread a little more cheer and kindness online.
*You probably realize this, but not a real account so please don’t troll them!
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