NORMS AND SOCIAL CONTROL MECHANISMS IN ONLINE SOCIETY: RULES, REGULATIONS, AND NETWORK ETIQUETTE

Abstract

This article aimed to understand online social norms as well as mechanisms for social control through enforcing rules, regulations, and internet etiquette, both by platform providers and users in the online world. Online social norms are interconnected with societal standards in the offline physical world based on globally recognized criteria harmonized with local norms. They mainly focus on common standards such as addressing security concerns, ensuring privacy, prohibiting hate speech, and removing violent content. When rules are violated, online platform administrators should react appropriately, even if inadequate or incomplete. Therefore, social control mechanisms are relied on, with users sharing suggestions, voicing criticisms, reporting issues, and monitoring behavior contravening established internet etiquette (netiquette). This often entails prompt critiquing of such behavior in public forums. Online conflicts may ensue, especially when offending comments cannot be effectively managed. Internet social norms and mechanisms for social control are dynamic, adaptable, and responsive to evolving circumstances. They are somewhat flexible but remain linked to societal norms and control mechanisms seen in the physical world.