A typed message is still speech: A message on a screen is still speech. The words may be typed, but the heart behind them is the same.
Angry forwarding, unchecked news: On WhatsApp, people write in anger what they would never say face to face. They forward messages they have not checked. They send ten messages when one would do.
Online manners match offline manners: Good manners online are the same as good manners offline: be honest, be kind, and think before you send.
Manners for Messages
- Read your message once before sending. Would you say it to the person's face?
- Do not forward a message unless you know it is true. A forwarded lie is still a lie.
- Do not send many short messages in a row. Write one complete message.
- Reply on time, even if the reply is, "I will answer properly tonight."
Example
A false death rumour spreads: A man receives a message saying a famous scholar has died. He forwards it to five groups at once.
A lie to hundreds of people: An hour later, the news is false. He has spread a lie to hundreds of people — and he cannot take it back.
Check first, forward later: A better habit: check first, forward later. One minute of checking saves a day of shame.
Key Terms
- Forwarding (آگے بھیجنا) — sending a message you received to other people
- Digital adab (ڈیجیٹل ادب) — good manners in online messages and posts
Quran or Hadith
None in this topic.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A stop sign with three checks: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it needed? In Project Desk colours.
- A typed message is still speech. Think before you send.
- Never forward a message unless you know it is true.
- One complete message is better than ten short ones.