What Is the Difference Between a Chat Room & a Social Network?

The Internet provides a number of opportunities to communicate with others around the world. Chat rooms were the original way to communicate outside of email, but social networking has quickly developed ways to communicate as well.

Differences

Chat rooms can be public, and anyone can join a conversation. Social networks allow you to build a following or friends list, and you communicate only with those people you choose.

Benefits

Chat rooms make it easier to meet people at random, and social networks are commonly used to communicate with people you already know. You can search for your friends on social networks, but in chat rooms, you must know your acquaintance's handle to chat.

Information

Social networks are built around profiles; this means you take the time to post a picture of yourself and list your interests. Chat rooms do not require more than creating a handle, so it's easier to remain anonymous in chat rooms.

References

• Ed Tech: What Is a Chat Room?
• What Is Social Networking: Homepage