HomeBlogBlogBad Digital Etiquette Examples: Email, Chat & Calls

Bad Digital Etiquette Examples: Email, Chat & Calls

What are examples of bad digital etiquette?

Bad digital etiquette is any online behavior that ignores other people’s time, privacy, or boundaries. It can show up in emails, texts, group chats, video meetings, social media, and even shared documents. These habits don’t just feel rude—they can create confusion, slow work down, and damage trust.

Common examples of bad digital etiquette

1) Sending unclear or sloppy messages

Examples include writing “Hey” with no context, using vague subject lines like “Question,” or sending long blocks of text with no punctuation. Poorly written messages force the other person to do extra work to understand what’s needed.

2) Overusing “Reply All” and excessive CCs

Copying people who don’t need to be included clutters inboxes and can expose sensitive information. “Reply all” can also derail group threads when side conversations should be taken offline.

3) Interrupting and multitasking on video calls

Talking over others, keeping your mic unmuted with background noise, or obviously checking email while someone is speaking signals disrespect. Joining late without acknowledgment or asking people to repeat themselves is another common frustration.

4) Ignoring response-time boundaries

Expecting instant replies at night, double-texting repeatedly, or marking everything “urgent” can create pressure and burnout. A message timestamp doesn’t automatically create an emergency.

5) Oversharing and violating privacy

Forwarding a private email, posting screenshots of messages, tagging someone in photos without permission, or sharing personal details in group chats are all examples. Even “harmless” posts can have real-world consequences.

6) Passive-aggressive tone and unclear humor

All-caps, excessive punctuation, sarcasm, or “Just checking in…” messages can read as hostile. Without facial cues, jokes can land poorly and escalate conflict fast.

For more detail and additional scenarios, visit What are examples of bad digital etiquette?.

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FAQ

How can you practice good digital etiquette at work?

Be clear and concise, respect time zones and off-hours, and choose the right channel for the message. Ask before looping in others, and keep sensitive information private.