On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the Zagreb Centre for Independent Living hosted the third educational workshop within the institutional project ‘Dimensions of Digital Inclusion and Exclusion in Croatian Society (DIGI-HR)’, conducted by the Faculty of Croatian Studies at the University of Zagreb. The project activities aim to develop the digital skills of the Centre's users so they can participate in digital society more safely, independently and actively.
The workshop on digital etiquette — how to communicate politely, responsibly and safely in the digital environment — was delivered by Assistant Professor Ana Marija Dunaj, PhD, from the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies.
As in the previous workshops, users showed great interest in the topic, actively participated in the discussion, asked questions and shared their own experiences of everyday communication via email, social networks and messaging apps.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the basic rules of digital etiquette and the importance of polite and responsible online communication. Particular emphasis was placed on email communication, the importance of replying to received messages, proper email formatting and responsible behaviour on social networks and in messaging apps.
Participants were specifically introduced to the rule that every message deserves a reply, whether it is an email, WhatsApp or Viber message, since even a short reply such as ‘Thank you for your message’ or ‘I will get back to you tomorrow’ shows respect, responsibility and reliability in communication. It was also explained that when we are angry or upset, it is best to wait before sending a reply so that communication remains calm and constructive.
Through practical examples, the workshop covered privacy protection, responsible photo sharing, respect for copyright, appropriate communication in the digital environment and the importance of leaving a positive digital footprint. Participants were also introduced to the rules for using photos on the internet, with an emphasis on respecting copyright. The responsible use of artificial intelligence as a writing aid was also discussed, stressing that the user always bears final responsibility for the content.
One of the most interesting parts of the workshop was a joint discussion about everyday situations in digital communication, during which participants used concrete examples to analyse how to respond properly to rude comments, messages and other challenges they encounter online. The discussion also covered rules of conduct in group chats and video calls, as well as the importance of mutual respect, non-violent communication and responsible behaviour in the digital space. Assistant Professor Dunaj concluded the lecture with ten golden rules of digital etiquette and the message that politeness, respect and responsibility remain equally important in the digital world as in the real one.
The DIGI-HR project continues with workshops in September that promote digital literacy, the development of digital skills and the reduction of digital exclusion among vulnerable groups through practical workshops tailored to their needs.
Photo: Zagreb Centre for Independent Living