What is online behavior? Today, people communicate more online than offline. Most of us basically live on the internet. We order our food online, shop for groceries on Jumai, and enroll in a leading online learning platform and the list is endless. Engaging constantly with online platforms, does it in any way affect our behavior?
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ScienceDirect identifies the differences between our online and offline interactions. While we engage online, we exhibit fewer nonverbal cues, greater anonymity, more opportunity to form new social ties and bolster weak ties, and wider dissemination of information. According to their report, these differences have some systematic psychological and behavioral consequences for internet users.
it is important to note that our online and offline lives often intersect. However, people exhibit different characters while online, these character exhibits are what is called online behavior.
Understanding Online Behavior
I know a few people that do not act the same way when they are online. What changed? The behavior. They seem to be another person entirely when offline. What can be the reasons to have different online behavior? There are so many reasons to have dual characters online and offline and this can be intentional for some people while others may act that way unconsciously.
How we respond and react to internet activities basically forms our behavior online. Online behavior refers to the actions, attitudes, and conduct of individuals while engaging in activities on the internet. It encompasses how people interact with others, consume and share content, and express themselves in various online platforms and communities.
Online behavior can include a wide range of actions, from communication and collaboration to the creation and consumption of digital content. It is shaped by individual values, social norms, cultural influences, and the specific context of the online environment.
10 Common Online Behavior
The use of the internet is the bedrock of individuals’ online conduct. It means how you behave online varies depending on your personality or mood, the website or platform, and the specific context. Any form of action you take while on the net is basically a type of online behavior. Below are common types of online behavior:
1. Positive Social Behavior
Online conduct that promotes kindness, empathy, and support is what positive social behavior is all about. It involves encouraging others, offering help and advice, showing appreciation, and promoting a feeling of togetherness and inclusiveness.
2. Negative Behavior
Negative online behavior involves actions that are disrespectful, hurtful, or disruptive. This can include cyberbullying, trolling, harassment, spreading hate speech, or engaging in personal attacks. Such behavior can have detrimental effects on individuals and online communities.
3. Self-Promotion
Self-promotion behavior refers to individuals promoting themselves, their products, or their services online. This can be through sharing achievements, showcasing talents, or advertising their work. While self-promotion is not inherently negative, excessive or intrusive self-promotion can be perceived as spam or attention-seeking.
4. Information Sharing
Online behavior related to information sharing involves disseminating knowledge, news, and resources. This includes sharing articles, research papers, educational content, or relevant links to contribute to the collective understanding and promote learning.
5. Constructive Behavior
This type of behavior involves engaging in meaningful and productive online interactions. It includes respectful communication, sharing informative content, providing constructive feedback, and participating in collaborative efforts.
6. Gaming and Entertainment Behavior
Online gaming communities often have specific behavior patterns related to gaming and entertainment. This can include in-game cooperation, competition, sportsmanship, and adherence to game-specific rules and guidelines.
7. Privacy and Security Consciousness
This type of behavior involves taking precautions to protect personal information, practicing secure online habits, and being cautious about sharing sensitive data. It includes using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being mindful of phishing attempts and online scams.
8. Online Impersonation
Online impersonation refers to pretending to be someone else, either by creating fake profiles or by adopting another person’s identity. This behavior can be used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, spreading misinformation, or engaging in deceptive practices.
9. Intellectual Property Respect
Respecting intellectual property involves adhering to copyright laws and avoiding plagiarism. It includes properly crediting sources, seeking permission for content usage, and promoting fair use practices.
10. Digital Activism
Digital activism refers to using online platforms to advocate for social, political, or environmental causes. It involves raising awareness, mobilizing communities, organizing campaigns, and leveraging online tools for social change.
Final Words
Online behavior can be influenced by personal values, cultural norms, and the specific online community or platform being used. it is important to note that individuals may exhibit a combination of these behaviors.
