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October 22nd • Digital Etiquette

Caps Lock Day

INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY is an informal holiday celebrated twice a year (October 22nd and June 28th) that highlights the use—and often the abuse—of capital letters in digital communication. Today, we debate the unwritten rules of the internet, the impact of tone of voice in text-based messages, and how language is evolving in a world dominated by smartphones and social media. IS WRITING IN ALL CAPS ALWAYS SHOUTING, OR CAN IT BE USED FOR EMPHASIS?

A close-up of a computer keyboard with the Caps Lock key in focus

Speaking Discussion

  • How do you feel when you receive a message written in ALL CAPS? Do you immediately think the person is shouting at you?
  • In your opinion, what are the most important unwritten rules of online etiquette (netiquette)? Which ones do people break most often?
  • How much of an impact does the lack of body language and tone of voice have on our ability to communicate effectively via text?
  • Do you think that the way we write online is making us less formal or less accurate with our language? Is this a good or bad thing?
  • What is the most annoying digital communication habit you have encountered (e.g., too many emojis, sending 10 short messages instead of 1 long one)?
  • How do you handle a situation where a message you sent was completely misunderstood by the recipient? How can we prevent this?

Activity 1: The netiquette Guide

The Task: You are a Digital Communication Expert. You need to create a simple netiquette guide for people who are new to the internet.

What are your top three rules for communicating politely and effectively online?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most important part of online etiquette is..."
  • "I think writing in ALL CAPS is..."
  • "In my opinion, digital communication is..."