Practice Digital Kindness and Respectful Communication
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Learning Objectives
- 1Identify the features of a kind digital message versus an unkind one
- 2Explain why digital kindness matters for online communities
- 3Rewrite an unkind message using respectful and constructive language
Mini Lesson
The internet lets us communicate with people all over the world — but it also makes it easy to forget that there is a real person on the other end of every message. Digital kindness means treating people online with the same respect and care you would show them face to face.
What Is Digital Kindness?
- Digital kindness means communicating online in a way that is respectful, helpful, and considerate.
- It includes how we write messages, comment on posts, and respond to others in shared digital spaces.
- Being kind online builds positive communities and protects people's mental wellbeing.
- Digital kindness applies to emails, chat messages, comments, and AI chat conversations.
Features of a Kind Digital Message
- Uses respectful and polite language.
- Is helpful and clear — the reader understands what is meant.
- Encourages rather than discourages the other person.
- Considers how the reader will feel before sending.
- Does not use sarcasm, insults, or language that might be misunderstood.
Features of an Unkind Message
- Uses rude, mocking, or hurtful words.
- Excludes, embarrasses, or belittles another person.
- Spreads rumors or untrue information.
- Is sent without thinking about the effect it will have.
- May constitute cyberbullying — a serious and harmful behavior.
How to Rewrite an Unkind Message
- Read the unkind message carefully.
- Identify the word or phrase that is hurtful.
- Ask yourself: "How would I feel if I received this?"
- Rewrite the message using kind, clear, and respectful language.
Tip: Before sending any online message, pause and ask: "Would I say this to the person's face?" If not, rewrite it.
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