NETIQUETTE: Towards Digital Etiquette in Africa

Abstract

Internet usage, as a predominant communication medium, is projected to grow exponentially in the years to come. Acquisition of digital citizenship is now a reality for more than half of the global population. Accounting for this increased use of the Net would be the interactive and participatory websites, otherwise known as social media. Africa’s embrace of the Internet lags behind the rest of the world, but its rate of adoption grows annually. The increased use of social media calls for users to adhere to certain rules, albeit informally to help maintain a sense of order. Netiquette, as this body of loose rules is largely referred to, have their bearing in traditional etiquette. The difference between the two comes in the unique characteristics of digital communication as well as the distinctiveness of the particular social media platform in question. In the end, communication via social media should be guided by the basic human tenets of kindness, respect, and consideration of others. Interestingly, these are values that are integral to traditional African culture.