Dr Kate Bowles says social media is a great communication tool if you treat others as you wish to be treated. Picture: DAVE TEASE
You rarely see someone hurl abuse at a stranger walking down the street. So why do some people think it's okay to do it online?
As more social media platforms become available, reports of online bullying, as well as more minor bungles, are on the rise and it seems some need to relearn their pleases and thank yous.
University of Wollongong communications lecturer and avid blogger and Twitter user Dr Kate Bowles says for the most part people behave well when interacting with people they know.
Where the issues occur is when they are tweeting or posting to celebrities, or are involved in anonymous online bullying.
Not being rude, discriminatory or purposely hurtful seems obvious, but apparently not all users agree. While all sites have codes of conduct, Bowles believes social media etiquette boils down to respect and courtesy, rather than following a strict set of rules.
"You can't make rules for that, in the same way we don't have rules for walking down the pavement, but we manage to do it, mostly, without elbowing each other into the gutter. It's that same instinct for travelling in crowds with strangers that we should use."
That said, when it comes to commenting on a post or tweeting a stranger, she believes there is one simple guideline: don't be an idiot.
"How would like to be treated? How would you like to be treated by strangers? And, therefore, how should you treat strangers? It's as much as anything care for others and respect that should be your guidelines."
"It's the same things adults use to manage their behaviour in the supermarket or the pub or while driving. Just don't be an idiot."
How to act online can become a little more murky when photographs are involved - not everyone will be happy with how a picture portrays them.
It is important to listen if someone asks you to take a photograph down. While your sister might have had a great time at your birthday party, she doesn't necessarily want her boss to see the evidence.
Being courteous online becomes more difficult when you're on the receiving end of negative comments. Although it can be hard to walk away or ignore what is said, responding escalates the problem.
The Australian Communication and Media Authority advocates ignoring, blocking and even reporting serial abusers, advice Bowles agrees with.
"In the end you cannot manage what other people say about you, particularly not with anger."
