Bring back Internet Chat Etiquette

Before the rise of social media platforms, there was AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), an instant messaging service that was widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s. In chat rooms, one of the features of AIM, moderators were not needed because of the prevailing chat etiquette that governed communication between users. Unlike today’s internet world, chat rooms in the AOL era were relatively civil places where users could communicate without the intervention of moderators. This essay explores how the chat etiquette that guided communication in AOL chat rooms made moderators unnecessary.

The first code of chat etiquette that prevailed in AOL chat rooms was good manners. Politeness was the cornerstone of communication in these chat rooms. Users respected other users even when they disagreed with them. They avoided using derogatory language, insults or bullying. Whenever a user violated this code, other users would politely remind them to adhere to good manners. The consequence of not adhering to this good manners was being ostracized by other participants in the chat room.

The second code of chat etiquette was mutual respect. Users respected each other’s opinions and differences. They did not belittle or dismiss others’ opinions, beliefs or ideas. Users also did not use foul language or abusive words, even when they disagreed. Mutual respect facilitated a peaceful environment and made harassment or bullying of other users rare in AOL chat rooms.

Third, there was the code of chat room hierarchy. Users who had been using the chat room for a long time were regarded as elders, and their views were valued. Newcomers were expected to be respectful and not to disturb the flow of conversation or disrupt the order of the chat room. As a result, chat rooms always had a good balance of new and old users.

Lastly, there was a code of chat room boundaries. Users were keen to differentiate between public and private conversations. Users never intruded on private conversations unless they were addressed or invited to join the conversation. This code was respected, and it ensured that users felt respected and their privacy protected.

In conclusion, the chat etiquette that prevailed in AOL chat rooms made moderation unnecessary. The codes of communication were guided by good manners, mutual respect, the hierarchy of users, and respect for chat room boundaries. This etiquette created an environment where users could converse freely without fear of harassment, bullying or disruption. The use of chat etiquette ensured that users enjoyed a balanced and peaceful chat room environment where all opinions were valued and respected. The success of AOL chat rooms remains an example of how chat room etiquette can create a healthy online environment.