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behavior
Netiquette (“internet etiquette”) refers to the general guidelines of polite and respectful online communication.
- Be respectful words can spread fast and influence others.
- Don’t shout avoid excessive ALL CAPS.
- Stay on topic keep discussions relevant.
- Don’t spam repeated or irrelevant posting disrupts conversation.
- Give credit especially when sharing someone’s work.
- Assume good intent text can be ambiguous; misunderstandings are common.
Netiquette varies across platforms, but respect and clarity are universal values.
Trolling refers to intentionally provoking or irritating others online for amusement or disruption.
- Posting inflammatory comments
- Starting arguments solely to annoy
- Pretending to believe something absurd
- Derailing conversations
Motivations can include attention-seeking, boredom, anonymity, or wanting to disrupt communities.
- Ignore (“don’t feed the trolls”)
- Moderate or ban
- Set clear communication guidelines
Flaming is hostile or aggressive communication online, often involving insults, profanity, or personal attacks.
- anger-driven replies
- rapid escalation
- emotional language
- little attempt to understand the other person
- lack of tone
- anonymity or distance
- misunderstandings
- platform culture (e.g., fast-paced comment sections)
Flame wars can damage communities and discourage participation.
Lurking means observing online communities without actively participating. It is common and often encouraged for newcomers.
- to learn community norms
- to observe without engaging
- to avoid conflict or visibility
- to gather information
“Lurk before you post” is common advice, helping people understand rules and tone before contributing.
Online identity refers to how individuals present themselves on the internet. This can include usernames, avatars, writing style, interests, and personal details.
- Real identity: using your actual name
- Pseudonymity: using a consistent username, but not your real one
- Anonymity: no identifiable information
- privacy concerns
- creative expression
- community culture
- safety and boundaries
People often have multiple identities across platforms.
Virality describes how quickly content spreads across the internet, often reaching large audiences in a short time.
- emotional impact (funny, surprising, moving)
- simplicity and shareability
- timing
- platform algorithms
- influential people sharing it
Virality can lead to positive attention or unintended consequences.
Internet subcultures are communities with shared interests, values, or styles that develop distinctive language and behaviors.
- gaming communities
- fandoms
- tech forums
- meme communities
- aesthetic movements (e.g., vaporwave, cottagecore)
- shared jokes
- unique slang
- norms about behavior
- specific content formats
Subcultures often overlap but maintain their own traditions.
Different platforms develop their own cultures, norms, and communication styles.
- Reddit: text-heavy, topic-based, community rules vary
- TikTok: short videos, fast trends, algorithm-driven discovery
- Discord: chat-focused, private communities, niche groups
- Twitter/X: fast-paced, public, brevity encourages short statements
- YouTube: creator-based, long-form content mixed with comments
- Tumblr: strong fandom culture, reblog chains, inside jokes
- platform features
- audience demographics
- moderation style
- history and founding purpose
Each platform shapes how people express themselves.