This article reviews the ways in which behaviours and habits online affect the user experience.
What are the different types of online behaviour? With the rise of the internet and social networking, cyberpsychology has been influential for providing insights into how individuals form digital habits. Several research studies aim to establish categories that can help to differentiate the different types of behaviours online. Key research has actually proposed three kinds of behaviour which are: online-exclusive, online-mediated and online-recorded behaviour. More specifically, it is suggested that some online behaviours derive from offline habits, whilst others are primarily formed in the digital realm. Digitalis Reputation would know that there are different types of online behaviours. Likewise, Fujitsu would identify that internet activity is influenced by digital habits. Other research has also proposed that there are dimensions of behaviours online. These can be categorised as organised and unorganised, which indicates a difference between searching and browsing online. Similarly, through human and non-human factors, especially chats and databases. These elements can be used to conceptualise the characteristics of behaviours online and help us better understand our digital experience.
Why is online behaviour important? Well, online behaviours play a significant role in shaping virtual communications. From browsing history to social media activity, every action leaves a digital trail that guides content recommendations, ads and even online search engine outcomes. By knowing the difference between positive online behaviours and problematic online behaviours, users can analyse their own habits as well as become more familiar with the web content they take in. IBM would acknowledge that online image is affected by our digital footprint. An obvious example of improper online behaviour is cyberbullying, which has unfavorable effects on the online community. When consuming material, users need to also recognize the existence of false information as bad online behaviour can damage online credibility. On the other hand, positive online behaviours can cultivate conscious consumption and help build a respectable online reputation, with accountability and empathy being 2 important qualities of excellent net etiquette. A benefit of having favorable online habits is gaining respect and building a sense of community online, this will lead to a more inclusive experience for everyone.
As online communication continues to evolve, adjusting to new etiquette standards ensures positive and productive communications. By becoming acquainted with what acceptable behaviour online includes, we can learn more about how our usage habits impact the information we take in. While many of us freely make use of search engines, social media platforms and websites on a daily basis, some are still oblivious to how our user activity is used to personalise our experiences. Learning about this often prompts concerns about privacy and data security. Through acknowledging how daily activity adds to online identity, individuals can make more educated choices about their internet use. Research into computer mediated communication has led to the development of terminology such as net etiquette, also called 'netiquette' in addition to 'digital footprint' and 'cybersecurity'. These newly coined expressions are establishing themselves in the everyday language required for examining behaviours on the internet. This shows how important it has actually become for users to understand the rules of internet etiquette in modern-day society.