The main goal of the RespectNET initiative was to cultivate and advocate for media literacy and courteous communication within the academic environment. Through the implementation of this project, our objective has been building a universal and socially conscious set of guidelines for media usage. These guidelines would incorporate ethical aspects such as the accuracy of information, adherence to netiquette, and the cultivation of emotional intelligence. Another goal was to cultivate a network that encompasses seasoned members of civil society and university staff, with the purpose of bridging the divide between university members and civil society. The project additionally prioritised the prevention of bullying, addressing the issue of disinformation, and encouraging inclusive democratic engagement. Our ultimate goal was to establish a vibrant and courteous communication culture that promotes scientific discourse and upholds European values within the academic community.
We applied for the RespectNET project with the aim of tackling the heightened socioeconomic disparity and lack of societal unity that has been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. The epidemic has brought to the forefront and exacerbated detrimental communication patterns such as the dissemination of false information, misinformation, and online harassment. These trends were also evident in universities, where the level of speech declined, posing a threat to the loss of courteous communication among university members. Our needs analysis identified a critical requirement for a current code of communication that is both courteous and successful. This code should be customised to accommodate the various literacies and communication styles of different subgroups within the institution. This initiative is essential for cultivating a socially accountable atmosphere and reducing the adverse effects of disinformation and cyber-bullying on the academic and social aspects of university communities.