Netiquette

Today I went to my hybrid English class for the first time. (Hybrid = half online, half in class) One of the things that we talked about was something called "Netiquette", which is basically etiquette that we have to follow when we're on the discussion boards online. We named stuff like no foul language except in quotes, not attacking people personally, and a limited number of emoticons. Then my professor brought up a really good point. She said that we shouldn't say anything that we wouldn't say to someone's face or anything that we wouldn't want our parents and everyone we know reading.
So that seems straightforward enough, right? But then I started thinking more about it. How often do we use the internet, whether it be instant messaging, emails, or Facebook, to say things we really don't want to say? For that matter, how often do we use text messaging to do the same? I know that I am very guilty of that last one. And while none of these methods of communication are bad, they all have the potential to be bad. How many times have you gotten into some sort of fight over Facebook, be it in chat or through messages or on someone's wall? How often have you sent someone an email because it's easier to explain your ideas or thoughts that way than in person? How many times have you had an important conversation over text because you are too shy to talk to them in person? How many times have you confronted someone over instant messaging?
You know why we do that? (And yes, I am guilty of it just as much as the next person.) Because we are afraid. We are afraid of their reactions to whatever it is that we have to say. We are afraid that they will be mad, and it is much easier to deal with anger online or on the phone than it is in person. We are afraid that they won't like our ideas, and rejection is easier to handle online or on the phone than it is verbally. We are afraid that they might not share our feelings, and it is easier to handle disappointment online or on the phone than it is in person.
So I want to challenge anyone who actually read all of this to try something. In the next week, try to have all your important conversations face-to-face. Don't allow yourself to hide behind the computer or phone, and really allow everyone to see YOU, not just the image you present to the public on the phone or online. Now, I know that having every conversation in person is just not feasible. We are all very busy people, and sometimes there just isn't time to meet face-to-face. However, if there is any way for the conversation to take place in person, try to arrange it.
I am going to be challenging myself to this same ideal as well in the next week. Try it, and I really think things could change in how you present your ideas and truly alter your communication style. And really, even if you don't like it after you try it, what will you have lost?