This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Published on December 9, 2019, a time when smartphones had already revolutionized our expectations around email response times. As Mr. Wesson noted, etiquette in the digital world is constantly evolving, making it challenging to establish fixed rules.
Mr. Wesson suggests starting with a formal tone and gradually adjusting it based on the conversation's familiarity. This approach is akin to adapting to a new business environment, where one keeps their eyes and ears open. In digital communication, this might mean beginning with a formal greeting, such as 'Dear Mr. Wesson,' and then switching to a more informal tone, like 'Hi Rupert,' as the conversation becomes more familiar.
Ms. McCulloch emphasizes the importance of considering the effort required to convey politeness. Instead of asking someone to close a window, one might ask, 'Would you mind possibly closing the window?' This shows a degree of extra effort, making the request more considerate.
However, there are situations where the 'politest' option may not be the most suitable. In close relationships, switching to a more formal register can introduce a sense of distance. Using overly complex sentences in a group chat with friends may come across as aloof.
Ms. McCulloch notes that sometimes the most polite form may not signal the right thing about one's relationship. This highlights the need to be mindful of the context and adapt digital etiquette accordingly.
As new technologies and platforms emerge, digital etiquette continues to shift. The widespread adoption of smartphones, for instance, led to a significant change in our expectations around email response times. Today, concerns around unplugging and embracing downtime are gaining traction, further blurring the lines of digital etiquette.
