College Success Tip #69 - Utilize Discretion
Discretion is defined as the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. As it relates to practicing proper Netiquette utilizing discretion is key. When engaging in computer mediated communication Higher Education students should aim to use discretion when conversing with peers, professors, college administrators, professionals and staff. As discussed on the previous blog posts many students can get caught up using text language and emoticons which could potentially have a negative effect in future communication.
As it relates to practicing proper Netiquette and Discretion, Discretion addresses how one communicates online to others.
For those aiming to practice proper Discretion online here are few Targets to Aim towards:
Don’t Disrespect
Don’t Disrespect the other person with whom you are communicating with. Emails, text messages, direct instant messages are words expressed from you to another person so whether your words are positive or negative they will leave an effect. Evaluate your words before you send. If you have an issue with someone cool off before responding.
Avoid Pettiness
Aim to not go back in forth online with someone who has offended, disrespected or even lied on you. The constant back in forth will result in lost time and potential words being exchanged that are permanent.
Respect the Time
With technology at the tip of one’s finger tips it is so easy to send emails, texts, instant messages at any time. One could be awake 2:45 a.m. in the morning and have an idea or would like to respond to an email from the previous day. That’s all good to do, but it is important for one to be mindful before pressing send. Reason being the receiver could be knocked out sleep and hear the notification on their phone only to be awakened. Now it’s not the senders responsibility to cater to the receiver’s needs or request but it is important to be mindful when sending emails, text messages, direct messages or making phone calls during late hours and early mornings. Aim and respect people’s time on a personal and professional level.
If you feel as if you are the one being disrespected as it relates to others respecting your time, Aim to set boundaries and inform people when to contact you.
Steer Clear from Attacks
Attacking a person’s character, position, values, beliefs, family, Ideas and decisions are bad form. One has the prerogative to disagree with anyone, but to bash or attack a professor, peer or professional is unacceptable. Higher education students must learn to communicate professionally and respectfully although differences are present. Some interactions might require a response while other messages can be ignored or resolved via face to face respectful interaction.
Although I will go into further detail in future blog posts about each tip. I wanted to touch on the previously stated tips briefly to give Higher Education students a backdrop of what to expect.
Discretion as I’ve stated previously is key. Maintain discretion, utilize discernment and aim towards the target of Proper Netiquette. Emails, text messages, direct instant messages are words expressed from you to another person so whether your words are positive or negative they will leave an effect. Evaluate your words before you send and examine the time you send them.
A scripture to encourage you in your path is Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
Peace & God Bless,
Aiming Towards the Target,
Dr. Bryant
