Online entertainment is becoming a permanent part of our lives. Whether it happens quickly or slowly, we find ourselves in a special environment—the environment of virtual communication.
Chats have proliferated so much, there are so many of them, it's overwhelming: public, business, private… Private chats are for one-on-one communication. Business chats aren't for fun, they're for work.
The most popular are public chats, where several people can simultaneously discuss various topics. Unfortunately, some of them contain profanity, insults, and much more that shouldn't be there. It's just like in real life.
Of course, it is not always possible to live in harmony, but at least you can avoid making life difficult for others.
When using a public chat, remember that on the other end of the line is a person just as independent as you, with their own worldview, feelings, and habits. Be more forgiving and kind-hearted!
So, here are a few quick tips for those visiting one of the public chats for the first time:
1. Address people in chat as “you” (regardless of age). It's more familiar.
2. Deliberate spamming (sending two or more identical messages) will not attract more people to you; you will only earn a major minus for your image.
3. The same thing will happen if you constantly shout (type all messages in CAPITAL LETTERS).
4. Writing words like this is not encouraged . It's hard to read.
5. Unfinished expressions (e.g., “Vasya, wouldn't you like to…”) are easily added and can offend the other person. It's best to avoid them.
6. Emoticons – they help add emotion to communication, but don't overdo it. Remember that only emoticons that express emotion are considered appropriate; all others are best limited to a minimum or eliminated from your online vocabulary altogether.
7. Don't be rude. You can defend your point of view, but don't insult others in the process. Don't tell them anything you wouldn't want to hear yourself. Your gestures, tone, and facial expression are irrelevant. Words, only words, are all that your interlocutor sees.
8. Your nickname is your choice, but it's best if it consists of characters from a single keyboard layout (either Russian or Latin characters). Avoid using words in your nickname that convey feelings that others don't have for you (e.g., “beloved,” “dear”). A nickname consisting of numbers or meaningless symbols doesn't inspire confidence.
9. Communication should be clear. In everyday life, the question “Did you have breakfast?” might get a clear and concise answer, like “Yes.” But in a chat, you'll have to respond differently: “Yes, I had breakfast today.” Otherwise, you might simply be misunderstood, and the next message will be, “What's 'yes'?” Try to answer clearly and comprehensively. Remember that you might also find yourself in a situation where you're simply told “yes,” and you'll soon forget what the question was.
10. Over time, you'll acquire the status of “old-timer” in the chat. Try to be kind to newcomers, and remember that you were once in the same position.
You may or may not accept this short list, but these tips will make communication easier for both you and your interlocutor.
And, in general, always remember that you will be treated exactly the same way as you treat others.
Enjoy your communication!
