Digital Society and Netizen (CBSE Class 11 Computer Science)

The internet has transformed the way people communicate, learn, work, shop, and share information. Today, millions of people interact through digital platforms, creating a Digital Society. Every person who uses the internet responsibly is known as a Netizen. To maintain a safe, respectful, and responsible online environment, every netizen should follow proper digital behaviour known as Digital Etiquettes.

Learning Objectives

• Understand Digital Society.
• Understand the meaning of a Netizen.
• Learn Net Etiquettes.
• Understand Communication Etiquettes.
• Learn Social Media Etiquettes.
• Develop responsible online behaviour.

What is a Digital Society?

In a digital society, many services such as education, banking, healthcare, shopping, entertainment, and government services are available online.

Examples of Digital Society

• Online Classes
• Internet Banking
• UPI Payments
• E-Governance Services
• Online Shopping
• Telemedicine
• Digital Libraries
• Online Railway and Flight Booking

Who is a Netizen?

A good netizen understands both the rights and responsibilities of using digital technologies.

Characteristics of a Good Netizen

• Respects others online.
• Protects personal information.
• Uses polite language.
• Follows cyber laws.
• Verifies information before sharing.
• Reports cybercrime and abuse.
• Uses technology responsibly.

Digital Etiquettes

Digital Etiquettes are the rules of polite, respectful, and responsible behaviour while using digital devices and the internet.

Digital Etiquettes

        │

        ├── Net Etiquettes

        ├── Communication Etiquettes

        └── Social Media Etiquettes

1. Net Etiquettes

Net Etiquettes (Network Etiquettes) are the rules of proper behaviour while using the internet.

Good Net Etiquettes

• Use respectful language.
• Respect others' opinions.
• Do not spread fake news.
• Do not use offensive language.
• Respect privacy.
• Use strong passwords.
• Do not hack or misuse others' accounts.
• Follow website rules.

2. Communication Etiquettes

Communication Etiquettes are the guidelines for communicating politely through emails, chats, video meetings, and online discussions.

Email Etiquettes

• Use a meaningful subject line.
• Begin with a polite greeting.
• Use clear and professional language.
• Check grammar and spelling.
• Avoid typing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
• End with a polite closing.

Video Meeting Etiquettes

• Join the meeting on time.
• Mute the microphone when not speaking.
• Dress appropriately.
• Use a quiet environment.
• Do not interrupt others.

3. Social Media Etiquettes

Social Media Etiquettes refer to responsible behaviour while using platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.

Good Social Media Practices

• Think before posting.
• Verify information before sharing.
• Respect others' privacy.
• Avoid cyberbullying.
• Do not share confidential information.
• Respect copyright.
• Use appropriate language.
• Report fake accounts and harmful content.

Comparison of Different Etiquettes

Do's and Don'ts

Real-Life Example

A student receives a message on WhatsApp claiming that school will remain closed the next day. Instead of forwarding it immediately, the student verifies the information from the official school website before sharing it. This is an example of responsible digital citizenship.

Case Study

Current Affairs & CBSE Connect

Did You Know?

Common Myths vs Facts

Advantages of Following Digital Etiquettes

• Creates a respectful online environment.
• Protects privacy.
• Improves communication.
• Reduces cyberbullying.
• Builds a positive digital reputation.

Consequences of Ignoring Digital Etiquettes

• Cyberbullying.
• Loss of privacy.
• Damaged reputation.
• Spread of misinformation.
• Legal consequences in some situations.

Quick Revision Box

Memory Trick

Exam Tips

• Know the definition of Digital Society and Netizen.
• Differentiate among the three types of digital etiquettes.
• Remember examples of responsible online behaviour.
• Practice case-based questions related to social media.

CBSE Competency-Based Question

A student receives an offensive message in a class group. Instead of replying angrily, the student reports the message to the group administrator and informs the teacher. Explain which digital etiquettes the student followed and why this response is appropriate.

Assertion–Reason Question

Assertion (A): A responsible netizen verifies information before sharing it online.

Reason (R): Sharing unverified information may spread rumours or misinformation.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Case-Based Question

During an online class, a student repeatedly interrupts others, keeps the microphone unmuted, and posts unrelated messages in the chat box.

1. Which communication etiquettes are being violated?
2. Suggest any four correct practices for online classes.
3. Why is following communication etiquette important?

MCQs

1. A responsible internet user is known as a:

1. Programmer
2. Netizen
3. Hacker
4. Administrator

Answer: B

Explanation: A netizen is a person who uses the internet responsibly and ethically.

2. Which of the following is an example of communication etiquette?

1. Sharing passwords
2. Using offensive language
3. Writing a clear subject line in an email
4. Forwarding rumours

Answer: C

Explanation: A clear subject line helps the recipient understand the purpose of the email.

Short Answer Questions

1. Define Digital Society.
2. Who is a Netizen?
3. State any four Net Etiquettes.
4. Differentiate between Communication Etiquette and Social Media Etiquette.
5. List any four responsibilities of a good netizen.

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain Digital Society, Netizen, Net Etiquettes, Communication Etiquettes, and Social Media Etiquettes with suitable examples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Digital Society?

A Digital Society is a society that uses digital technologies and the internet for communication, education, business, and daily activities.

2. Who is called a Netizen?

A Netizen is a responsible and ethical user of the internet.

3. Why are Net Etiquettes important?

They promote respectful, safe, and responsible behaviour on the internet.

4. Why should we verify information before sharing it?

To prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours.

5. What is the difference between Net Etiquette and Social Media Etiquette?

Net Etiquette applies to general internet usage, whereas Social Media Etiquette specifically relates to behaviour on social networking platforms.

Summary

• A Digital Society depends on digital technologies for everyday activities.
• A Netizen is a responsible and ethical internet user.
• Net Etiquettes promote respectful behaviour on the internet.
• Communication Etiquettes improve professional online communication.
• Social Media Etiquettes encourage responsible use of social networking platforms.
• Responsible digital behaviour helps build a safe and positive online environment.