eManners:   Social Skills in eLife, eBIZ, & edu                     Presented by: jenner counseling

Hello.  Welcome to jenner counseling and eManners:  Social Skills in eLife, eBIZ, & edu.  eManners is the concept that the same social skills and graces that we expect from one another when we socialize, communicate, etc. also apply in 'cyberspace'.  In fact, I believe that they are even more important in digital communication, e.g., media, technology, etc. because so much is lost when we are not communicating in person, directly. 

eManners came to be as a result of being asked by a colleague to form a group for those who are involved in cyberbullying, whether the victim, perpetrator, or bystander.  I knew at that time what cyberbullying was but needed much more information.  So, I began researching.  In my research, I discovered that there are many underlying issues to bullying, including cyberbullying.  I also discovered that we do so much in 'cyberspace'.  As I dug further, certain themes became clearer:  that there is a dynamic that involves what we do and how we do it that underlie, or are a basis for, what turns into our digital behaviors.

Technology has provided for easier and more efficient means to connect, communicate, market, and entertain.  As a result, personal, professional, academic, and social boundaries are ever more difficult to manage and maintain.  Cyberbullying, boundary violations, piracy, online affairs, addictions, etc. are now major problems in our schools, workplaces, and lives.  eManners:  Social Skills in eLife, eBIZ, & edu is a series of environment-specific workshops and presentations that provide an in-depth look that go to the root of our thoughts and behaviors within our use of communications media that include texting, email, photo/video-sharing, social networking, playing, etc.  Further, eManners presentations and workshops provide a basic guideline by which our use of media must be governed if we are to use it in ways that do not cause harm and/or injury but in ways that maintain and enhance integrity.

All this being said, if you are a person who uses technology and media to connect, play, entertain, market. etc., I encourage you look at all that you do and to apply eManners.  As so many moms have said to their kids, "Mind your manners!"  I say to you, "Mind your eManners!"  If you don't know how, please comment on this blog or send me an email.  I will be happy to reply and answer your questions, if I have the answer.  Moreover, if you are here on behalf of a school, business, or other organization, let's set something up and I'll bring eManners to you.