How to Chat With People

Before the popular social networking sites, there were chat rooms. Chat rooms are a place to discover and meet people who share the same common interests. Here you can chat with a group of people or chat privately with someone. Although chat rooms are not as popular as instant messaging, they are still widely used today. Before using a chat room, it is necessary to take some things into consideration, such as your safety and security.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a chat room service. Chat rooms can be found on the web and on instant messenger programs such as Yahoo!. One website in particular is called Chat Avenue (see Resources.) Choose a room and then select a nickname. Click "Connect" to join a particular chat room.

2. Find a chat room based on your interests. Most websites and chat room services provide a list of rooms that are organized into categories. Choosing a room based on your interests will allow you to meet people that share the same things in common.

3. Type what you want to say and press "Enter." Introduce yourself by stating your age, sex, and location, or ASL for short. Keep the message concise. Depending on how large the chat room is, the members may not have enough time to read a long message.

4. Chat with someone privately. After chatting, you may get a few responses from people asking to chat with you one on one. Chat only with people with whom you feel comfortable. Double-click on the user name to bring up a private chat window.

5. Respect yourself. End a chat whenever you feel uncomfortable. Not everyone is who she says she is. Remember that you are never obligated to share pictures or videos.

Tips & Warnings

• Some chat rooms only allow you to chat if you are at least 18 years of age.
• Refrain from using foul and sexually explicit language.
• Never give out personal information other than your ASL.

References

• Chat Room Tips and Tricks
• Chat Room Safety
• Yahoo! Messenger Chat

Resources

• Chat Avenue