Digital etiquette and responsible social interactions

Often when we read online messages or e-mails from other parties, we inject our own emotions giving the message a meaning that did not originate with the author.

Digital etiquette dictates the use of all caps writing when we want to indicate we are angry as a means of "yelling."  We have come to assume this is the case and read all caps as yelling.  Social interactions online are most often communicated through text so we do not have the benefit of reading body language or facial expressions, and we do not hear inflection in the words written.  Reading inflection into the writing of others can start fights or perpetuate them. 

In the age of cyber-bullying, a comment meant to be a joke may turn someone into a target.  It is incredibly important that children understand the power of words and the effect bullying can have even in cyberspace. 

Parents should be accessing their children's social media outlets to ensure their children are neither bullying nor being bullied by others.