Respectful Communication in Messages and Comments
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What you will learn
- 1Explain what respectful digital communication looks like
- 2Distinguish between respectful and disrespectful messages and comments
- 3Apply communication guidelines to classify online messages correctly
Mini Lesson
When you send a message, write a comment, or post online, your words can reach many people. Just like speaking kindly in person, you must also communicate respectfully in digital spaces. Kind words build friendships; unkind words cause hurt — even through a screen.
What Respectful Communication Looks Like
- Using polite greetings and thank-yous in messages.
- Staying on topic and not sending off-topic or random messages in group chats.
- Giving honest but kind feedback: "I liked your idea. Maybe you could also try..."
- Reading your message before sending to check the tone sounds friendly.
- Asking before sharing someone's photo or work in a group chat.
- Using proper punctuation and clear language so your message is not misunderstood.
What Disrespectful Communication Looks Like
- Writing all in CAPITAL LETTERS — it looks like shouting.
- Using rude words, insults, or hurtful nicknames.
- Leaving someone out of a group on purpose to make them feel bad.
- Spreading rumors or untrue stories about someone.
- Sending many messages in a row to pressure or annoy someone.
- Writing sarcastic comments that could be misread as cruel.
Words to know
Respectful
Kind, polite, and thoughtful toward others
e.g. My respectful comment made her smile.
Message
A note sent to someone online or on a phone
e.g. I sent a message to my friend.
Comment
A reply or note added under a post or video
e.g. My comment thanked her for sharing.
Tone
How a message feels — friendly, angry, or neutral
e.g. Capital letters can change the tone.
Kindness check
Pausing to ask if a message is kind, true, and necessary
e.g. A kindness check stopped me from sending a mean joke.
Before you post or send, do a kindness check, also called the KTN check: Is it Kind? Is it True? Is it Necessary? If the answer to any of those is No, do not send it.
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