Ways to Improve Online Communication (Thus Avoiding Argument and Misunderstanding)

Since I am constantly bitching and getting confused about online communication, I thought I’d make a little post about what we can all do to improve our communication, and thus avoid confrontation, arguments, and misunderstandings. Seeing as how the only way we communicate theses days seems to be online (for the majority of the time, don’t deny it), it is important that we reestablish the lines of communications and the etiquette (or not) with which we employ it. Let’s get right to it!

1. If you are being funny or sarcastic, always use a silly emoticon, or use the phrases: “LOL”, “Psshh…”, “LMAO”, or “Haha”. These can be interchangeable and really prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and keeps the conversation flowing at a good pace, without one having to stop and question what something meant or how it was actually meant to sound. Do this in the first place, and you won’t be told “Uhh, gee thanks?” or “WTF asshole!”

2. Check your status! Are you online or not? Green light, for instance, on Facebook denotes that you are online. Don’t be a forgetful douchebag and forget to turn off your online status. People will message you, and get angry that you are not responding. Simple common courtesy that is not too common. You’ll find most of this post will contain common sense techniques!

3. Do not leave a conversation right in the middle of it, and do not leave without saying you’re doing so. This is simply rude, whether you’re online, in person, or on the phone. Barring a real emergency or power outage, there is NO excuse for this rude ass behavior. Man (or woman) the fuck up and let someone know something. There’s nothing I hate more than when someone just up and stops speaking like you’re boring them, and then later they come back like, “Whaaa? What’s wrong?” What’s wrong? You’re being a dick unnecessarily, so STOP.

4. On Facebook in particular, don’t read someone’s message, then ignore it. It shows with a checkmark that you have read it. If you “can’t write back at this moment”, then why are you fucking checking it in the first place? Makes no sense. And if you’re that busy, stop commenting on pictures of naked women and responding to other people while ignoring me. I can see that shit too, you know. Quit being rude, and if you’re that busy, don’t check the message period. It will save you unnecessary strife, and I won’t have to get pissed off. It’s a win-win. Nothing I hate more than being purposefully ignored. Don’t want to talk to me? Then why are we friends?

These are just a few suggestions on how to improve online communication with me and others. Because I can assure you, others are bothered with these issue too – I’m just the one to make it loud and public. Someone’s got to speak up about rudeness in ANY format or method of communication. Just don’t be rude! Like I said, unless your wife/husband, kid, or pet is dying, your house is on fire, or you’re being robbed, don’t be douchebag-like and just forget etiquette. Because regardless of the method or manner, it shows your true colors. Oh, and don’t be one of those people who will only talk to someone when they need something. Rude.

Thank you for reading, as always! 🙂