Online manners matter. Whether you’re communicating with a stranger on a dating site, answering a question on a forum, or sending a simple email, good etiquette will keep your interactions civil and pleasant.

When communicating online, it’s important to be aware of the implicit social norms of the online community you’re participating in. For example, most online dating sites encourage members to send thoughtful, revealing messages. But if you’re a shy person, it might be difficult to follow this advice. In that case, it’s a good idea to stick to basics: introduce yourself, explain why you’re messaging the other person, and ask for their contact information.

Just as important as following social norms is being aware of the social cues of the person you’re messaging. For example, if the other person is a busy professional, they might not want to spend hours chatting with you. Instead, they might want to send a quick response and move on.

It’s also important to remember that online communication is fundamentally different than face-to-face communication. For example, people are more likely to be blunt and sarcastic online. So it’s important to be prepared for this kind of communication.

Overall, online manners matter because they can make a positive difference in the way people interact. By following a few simple guidelines, you can create a positive online presence and create better relationships with the people around you.