Do's and Don't's of Internet Behavior


  • Do treat others with kindness and respect, even if their views differ from your own.
  • Do use proper spelling, grammar, and citations. Choose your words carefully, knowing that they can easily be misconstrued by others who don't know you or your intentions.
  • Do give proper credit for any contributions you use from others. Cite your sources. Make sure you are using resources from legitimate sites that don't violate intellectual property laws.
  • Abide by the rules of the site you are on. Remember what may be appropriate on one site may not be okay on another site. Respect the hosts and follow the protocols they've established.
  • Do respect the privacy of others. Refrain from publishing materials that might cast a negative light on your digital neighbors or expose their personal information.


  • Don't write or say anything you wouldn't say in person. Don't be tempted to use the seeming anonymity of the internet to engage in activity you'd be ashamed of.
  • Don't break the law. Harassment, invasion of privacy, falsifying your identity, and cyber-bullying can all have legal consequences.
  • Don't steal others' work, ideas, or contributions. Just as you wouldn't submit an author's words or a singer's work as your own, don't take work from the internet without giving credit to the author.
  • Don't swear, promote or participate in racism of any form, or post pictures or posts regarding activity that may have a negative impact on your online reputation.
  • Don't share personal information. You could open yourself up to identity theft.