1.4 The nature of online debate: sniping and shaming
As you can see from the poll responses, the number of students who have experienced rude exchanges is very high. The nature of debate in online discussions is the subject of a lot of media attention. Many different aspects of the online world are deeply divided, and it is recognised that where an in-person conversation may be constructive and polite, those that are held online are likely to be more combative, with polarised viewpoints being represented. Debates are frequently held in a tone and using language that would in the face-to-face world be considered as rude. This may be in part because we feel differently about the people we meet in online environments. It may be also because we are more used to responding instantly to messages almost without thinking about what we are saying.
The Internet [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] not only provides the opportunity to discuss issues with like-minded people, it also increases the possibility of doing so with people who hold considerably different points of view. When we are dealing with issues related to people’s intelligence or education this can be particularly sensitive because education is at its heart about learning new things and pushing ourselves to learn new skills. You would be surprised how many people feel like imposters when they study.
Complete the following poll to show how many students struggle with confidence issues while studying at university.
As you can see from the poll responses, many students don’t feel confident in their ability to study. Now have a look at the following message which is adapted from one posted in a student led Facebook page.
I wish people would be a little more mindful when posting on here with regards results and waiting for them. I’ve seen sniggering and sarcastic comments about people’s questions about their studies. This degree is hard for me, I am the first in my family to go to university and I work bloody hard but I am no genius and I need help sometimes to get my head around university level study.
If you find that if you find someone is being rude or mean to you in a group that is moderated then it is important that you report it to the admins for that group as it can prevent other students also experiencing this behaviour. There may be rules for the group that prohibit this type of behaviour.
It may also be that the person is not aware of the impact that they are having. It important that we learn about the impact that we have on others and how to communicate politely on the internet. Netiquette is a word made up from the words net and etiquette. It is sometimes used to describe the rules by which respectful conduct and appropriate communication can be governed on the internet.
While these are not legally binding rules, they are sometimes recommended by different institutions. The rules of netiquette can be very different depending on the platform and its participants
Activity 3 Good online behaviour
Some universities are now actively working towards teaching their students how to engage online. The following tips come from a guide for good online behaviour from the University College London (UCL). Drag and drop each label to the associated behaviour.
Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.
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Thanking, acknowledging, and supporting people
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Acknowledging before differing
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Making your perspective clear
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Clearly showing your emotions.
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Avoiding ‘flaming’
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Disagreeing with the comment, not with the person.
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Respecting difference
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Asking permission
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Remembering academic/student reps are students too.
a.If you read something that offends or upsets you, it is very tempting to type a speedy reply and hit ‘Send’ without thinking – but don’t! It can quickly escalate into a flaming spiral of angry messages and online discussions seem to be particularly prone to such ‘flames’. So, if you feel your temperature rising as you write, save your message, take a break or sleep on it – don’t hit ‘Send’.
b.Do not use or reproduce others’ comments or personal information without their express permission.
c.They are doing two jobs, and one is entirely voluntary to support you. They may not always be in a position to do exactly what you want or take the action you would have taken if you were the rep. They are happy to hear and respond to your issues and feedback, but this should be done respectfully. Approach them personally with your concern rather than criticising them in a public forum.
d.Smileys or emojis can be used to express your feelings. Most online platforms allow you to use emojis to express a variety of emotions.
Emotions can be easily misunderstood when you cannot see faces or body language. Be mindful that people may not realise when you are joking, and one person’s joke may not seem amusing to someone else. You should always be aware of the receiver(s) of your message, particularly as people from widely differing cultures and backgrounds may read what you write online. What you find funny may be offensive to them.
e.Disagreement is expected but remember to focus on the matter under discussion and avoid negative comments about other people.
f.Try to avoid speaking in a dogmatic and an impersonal way, so avoid phrases like ‘It is a fact that …’ as they leave no room for anyone else’s viewpoint. So, why not start with ‘I think …’? You may want to present someone else’s views; if so, say whose they are, perhaps by a quote and acknowledgement.
g.Respect others’ cultural, religious, professional, academic and economic backgrounds, skills, abilities and contributions.
h.Before you disagree with someone, try to summarise the other person’s point in your own words. Then they know you are trying to understand them and will be more likely to take your view seriously.
i.Remember people cannot see you nod, smile or frown as you read their messages. So, if they get no acknowledgement, they may feel ignored and be discouraged from contributing further. It is a good habit to respond constructively to posts, acknowledging the other person’s perspective and moving the conversation forward.
- 1 = i
- 2 = h
- 3 = f
- 4 = d
- 5 = a
- 6 = e
- 7 = g
- 8 = b
- 9 = c