15 Unspoken Rules of the Internet You Need to Follow

Master the unspoken rules of the internet to navigate the digital world with confidence, respect, and zero cringe-worthy mistakes.

Alyana Aguja
March 13, 2025
4 min read

15 Unspoken Rules of the Internet You Need to Follow — Benjamin Dada from Unsplash

The internet is a huge and messy space, but understanding its unwritten rules can keep you out of trouble and digital faux pas. From not feeding trolls to not invading privacy and crediting where credit is due, these rules guide you through online communities with confidence and courtesy. Learning these unwritten codes isn’t all about being nice—it’s about making the internet a smarter, nicer place for all of us.

1. Don’t Feed the Trolls

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Trolls need attention and turmoil—don’t provide it. Only responding feeds their fire and keeps the negativity going. The easiest way to shut them down? Ignore and move on.

2. Lurk Before You Leap

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All online communities have their own atmosphere and etiquette. Take some time to see how others interact and what is tolerated before posting. This prevents newbie faux pas and makes your input more accepted.

3. Think Before You Post

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Once it’s up, it can be permanent—even if you take it down. Ask yourself: “Would I be comfortable with my boss, family, or future self seeing this?” If the answer is no, perhaps refrain.

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Be careful not to share too much, such as your home address or daily habits. You never know who’s looking and what they’ll do with that information. Privacy is power—guard it.

5. Respect the OP

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Respect the path the OP sets if they initiate a discussion. Hijacking a thread to advance your agenda is poor manners. Only deviate from the topic if the OP encourages side conversations.

6. Credit Your Sources

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Are you posting someone’s work? Give them credit where credit is due. Plagiarism isn’t only bad form—it’s stealing. A quick mention or link can go a long way in demonstrating respect.

7. Don’t Spam—Ever

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Nobody enjoys spam, whether off-topic comments, too much self-promotion, or chain messages. It’s frustrating and will get you blocked or banned quickly. Quality over quantity is always the best policy.

8. Use Your Emoji Powers Wisely

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Emojis can clarify a message or confuse it entirely. Use them for tone or clarity, but don’t abuse them. Nobody wants to decipher a hieroglyphic novel.

9. Read the Whole Thread Before Commenting

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It’s easy to dive in, but first, make sure you’ve got the entire conversation. You’ll prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary questions. Also, it shows that you respect the conversation.

10. Assume Good Intent (Until Proven Otherwise)

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Tone is not always easy to convey online. Before assuming someone is being obnoxious, remember they may be being blunt or joking. However, if they cross the line, go ahead and call them out.

11. Avoid CAPS LOCK Overload

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All-caps typing is like yelling and sounds hostile. Use it minimally to emphasize, not whole sentences. Need to be heard? Write carefully instead.

12. Don’t Ghost Mid-Conversation

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If you’re in the middle of a chat, let someone know if you need to take a break. Ghosting them without explanation can sound rude. A quick “BRB” maintains the respectful vibe.

13. Memes Have Context—Respect It

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Not every meme fits every conversation. Dropping random memes can be funny but can also derail meaningful discussions. Make sure it adds to the moment rather than hijacking it.

14. Don’t Screenshot Private Chats Without Permission

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Sharing someone’s private messages publicly is a serious breach of trust. If necessary, ask for consent or blur out identities. Privacy matters, even in the digital world.

15. If You Wouldn’t Say It in Person, Don’t Type It

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The screen is not a shield for bad manners. Be as respectful online as you would be in person. Kindness is a long way, even in comment boxes.