by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: October 11, 2009

Bad online habits to avoid are considerable in number and could in their own right probably comprise a very lengthy novel. There are a number of more common ones, however, which people should endeavour to avoid if they are to make their overall Internet experience both as safe and as enjoyable as possible.

Bad online habits to avoid must in the first instance take account of those online habits which are likely to put oneself or others in any form of danger whatsoever. There are a great many unscrupulous people who use the Internet and very often these people can do great damage with the most innocently imparted information. It is therefore vital that one take great care regarding releasing any personally identifying information on the Internet, including - but not limited to - one's full name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.

Bad online habits to avoid have to include spamming. Spamming is the process of sending information to multiple users on the Internet - usually in e-mail form - which they have not requested, which is often not likely to be relevant to them and which they most certainly do not want. This process is one usually undertaken by those who are either trying to sell something or obtain views for a web page from which they will subsequently profit. Spamming can also include submitting links to sites on Web forums or discussion boards in an excessive or irrelevant fashion.

Another bad online habit to avoid is in any way abusing other Internet users. Abuse does not have to take the form of objectionable language, it can simply be persistently contacting someone or messaging them when they have clearly indicated they do not wish one to do so, or even being overly critical of other individuals on social networking sites or forums. This is a process - like spamming - which can very quickly sour one's relations with the administrators of Internet sites and hosting platforms, as well as the users of these sites.

Bad online habits to avoid therefore come in many shapes and forms but the good news is that most of them depend only on common sense. One should always consider therefore when browsing or interacting online the feelings of others as well as one's own feelings and wishes and ensure that the proper code of conduct is observed at all times to the benefit of all parties concerned.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.