Chatting Etiquette

Online chat refers to the communication we use over the Internet

. This is done usually by direct one-on-one chat as well as text-based group chat through instant messengers. With this new method of communicating online comes some proper etiquette and unstated rules, also known as Chatiquette.

Some basic online chat rules have been outlined to avoid misunderstandings and help users simplify the communication between users. Chatiquette can vary from community to community since it describes basic courtesy, but as we know courtesy comes in different forms according to the community or culture. Chatiquette introduces the user into the associated network culture.

One thing that can come across as rude is typing in all upper case letters. When one does this it appears as if the user is shouting and may be mad. It could also give off the impression that he or she is angry or upset. Upper case adds emphasis to a word and makes it stand out so if you have the caps lock on when typing an entire sentence or group of sentences, it comes across as though you're yelling.

Another chatiquette rule for online chat is 'don't take longer than 3-5 minutes to respond'. Chat is usually done via IM, whether it's Skype, MSN messenger, gChat or another program. Answering someone in chat should take no longer than 3 minutes. The maximum for an IM response should be 5 minutes! Some people respond very quickly. Others take a longer time as they may be multitasking or working. However, you probably shouldn't be logged on to IM if you are unable to chat or don't want to be bothered. With some platforms you can also set your status to say that you're "away from the computer" or "busy". Also don't make a habit of responding with a one-word answer. This can really kill conversations. If you'd rather not be bothered simply say "TTYL" and log off or set your status to invisible or "Away".

With that said, if you're going to log off or be away from your computer for a little it's courteous to notify the person you've been chatting with. If you know you will be away from the computer for more than 10 minutes say "BRB", which means "be right back". You could also change your status or availability, but telling whoever you're talking to that you'll BRB is even better. Say you unexpectedly sign in and out during an IM conversation then it is your responsibility to restart the chat by jumping back into what you were talking about or starting with an apology. It's understandable that some people have weak Internet connection that causes them to be knocked offline, but it's courteous to let your chat buddy know. Always say "goodbye" or "TTYL" though if you plan to leave. Don't just sign off.

It isn't always necessary to fix all your spelling errors and typos in online chat. You should only worry about doing that if what you know the person you're chatting with isn't going to understand what you wrote or you used the completely wrong word. In online chat you're not required to always be grammatically correct. Also avoid using lightly colored or hard-to-read fonts. That can be annoying for your chat buddy. Another great way of expressing yourself in online chat/instant messaging is using emoticons. Facebook now has its own chat capability as well as smileys. There are special emoticons exclusively for Facebook use. Some are similar to instant messaging emoticons and smileys, but there are a few custom-made ones. Try them out when using chatiquette.

by: Anna Martin.

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