How to behave responsibly online, and why this is important for you

By Tony Neate and Sadrah Irasubiza

In today's world, it's hard to imagine a life without the internet. We use it to work, learn, socialise, and even date. But with the convenience of the digital world comes a responsibility to behave responsibly and respectfully online.

With most people spending a significant amount of time online, it's important to consider the impact of our online behaviour on ourselves and those around us.

Online respect is the way we behave towards others while interacting online. It is more than just a nice-to-have attitude. It's essential in creating a safe and supportive online community. It involves being mindful of the words we use, the tone we adopt, and the impact our behaviour can have on others. Unfortunately, not everyone is mindful of their online behaviour, and this can have negative consequences.

The consequences of online disrespect can range from hurtful comments to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue, with many people using the anonymity of the internet to harass and intimidate others. Think about the last time you read a comment section on social media or a news article. How many times did you come across hurtful or derogatory comments? How many times did you see someone being bullied or harassed? It's interactions like these that can make the internet a toxic and unwelcoming place.

The effects of cyberbullying can even go deeper, leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicide. It is essential to be respectful of others online and to remember that there's a real person behind every online profile.

At Get Safe Online Rwanda, we have been consistent with campaigns on promoting online respect. Working with partners such as the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, our campaigns focus on conversations on treating others with kindness and empathy to create supportive and safe online environments.

There are several ways to practise online respect. For instance, using inclusive language and avoiding derogatory terms can help create a more welcoming environment. Similarly, taking a step back to think through before posting or commenting, and considering the impact of our words, can help prevent misunderstandings, spreading misinformation, and contributing to hurtful exchanges. Report any abusive or inappropriate behaviour. Don't let harmful behaviour go unchecked. Finally, lead by example. Be a positive force online and encourage others to do the same.

Many developers of platforms that encourage social interactions are also emphasising the importance of online respect. For example, Instagram recently introduced a feature that prompts users to reconsider potentially hurtful comments before posting them. X, formerly known as Twitter, has launched a campaign to encourage users to think before they tweet, highlighting the impact of our words on others.

By practising online respect, we can create a safer and more welcoming online community. But it's not just about making the internet a better place for others; it's about enhancing our online footprint as well.

Think about the last time you applied for a job or a college programme. Chances are, someone looked you up online. What did they find? Did they find a positive and respectful online presence or something that could harm your chances?

By being mindful of our online behaviour, we can create a positive online footprint that reflects who we are and what we stand for. In a world where our digital presence is becoming increasingly important, this is more crucial than ever. Therefore, let's act and make online respect a priority.

And the best part? It's easier than you might think.

Let's be kind, empathetic, and supportive in all our online interactions. By doing so, we can create a better online experience for everyone and enhance our own lives in the process.

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Tony Neate is the CEO of Get Safe Online, and Sadrah Irasubiza is the Get Safe Online Rwanda Ambassador