have we been losing our e-thics?

Some people just have to learn a few internet manners… especially in an occasion when they are chatting. Online, obviously. I mean, you know, some people have the habit of not saying the proper way of signing off. They just sign off without telling you or something. I think that’s rude, unethical and shows kind of person you are. I believe that chatting online is very much like talking on the phone or conversing in person. It’s because you don’t get to see the person you are conversing with doesn’t mean that you can dump him or her just like that.

The damage is even greater if you actually know the person. If you are chatting with a stranger, then you probably wouldn’t care less. The problem is, if you are chatting with somebody you actually know.

First if all, I don’t chat very often. In fact, I seldom chat. Normally, I just take a peek on my emails and then log out. But most email providers and social networking sites have a ready chat room which shows everyone who is logged in. there is no escaping.

Which means, you actually know most of these people whose names or ID appear on the chat box. Sending few lines of greeting and catching up with your peers becomes inevitable. And that’s fine sometimes. It’s a good thing. It just turns into something frustrating if some of these people have no decency of telling you they’re signing off while you are still in the middle of a conversation. People who you used to be BFF with in college. You did campus work together. You prayed together. You shared secrets. And many nights of sleepovers at each other’s places. And they became successful and they became… whatever. No judgment whatsoever.

One time I was in my yahoo account. This friend of mine initiated the conversation. I acknowledged the message. Then as I was typing… he freaking logged out. Without even saying, “Wait, I have to go. Catch ya later.” Hello? Seriously? And that happened twice. Maybe his western acculturation went overboard. Ok. I have western friend who are not like either. Maybe some people (and friendship) just change over time.

I mean c’mon… how many seconds does it take to send a proper note before signing off?

Ok... Im not necessarily nitpicking here. Im sure it also depends on the extent of the conversation. If you were just saying your "hellos" and "what's ups" then properly ending a conversation wouldnt be necesary.

Of course, not everyone is like that. I have other friends who still have their manners and decency intact. People I respect. People I admire. But these are the exceptions. The other majority… they are the rule!

And just so you know… I didn’t shallow a bitter pill this morning as to be blogging about this. Ok?