Respectful discourse New comment guidelines for social media at Ruhr University Bochum

Discourse, exchange of ideas and networking: Ruhr University Bochum invites its members and everyone else who’d like to engage with the university to use its social media channels for discussions. A new netiquette, i.e. a set of rules for online discourse, has been introduced to ensure that this exchange is not hampered or even brought to a standstill by destructive voices.

The term “netiquette” is a portmanteau of “net” (as in Internet) and “etiquette”. Netiquette is used to promote constructive interaction on the Internet and to combat hate speech and violations of the law.

Guidelines for the entire campus

“We are committed to fostering open good-faith discussions and exchange on social networks at Ruhr University Bochum,” says Hubert Hundt, Head of the Corporate Communications Department.

“This is why we didn’t draw up our netiquette solely for the central social media channels managed by our Corporate Communications Department,” says Hundt. The new rules and guidelines may be used by all employees and institutions of Ruhr University Bochum for their respective social media communication.

Respectful and to the point

The new netiquette contains rules that refer to the legal framework and call for communication to always be respectful and to the point.

In addition to netiquette, tips are given on how to write a comment. For example: It helps in a discussion to admit your own mistakes or to back up your opinion with arguments.

“Not just the moderators, but everyone who’s active on social media can actively influence destructive actors and sentiments. This is why we’d like to ask everyone to show moral courage in their interactions online,” says Hundt. Tips on how to do just that are included in our new comment guidelines.