How to Find an Internet Chat Room

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(18 Ratings)

Whether you want to talk about pet grooming or European politics, there are chat rooms for just about every subject and demographic segment you can think of. Even if you can't find an existing chat room that suits you, you can probably make your own. Use these guidelines to communicate in real time with people all over the world.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet Access
Chat Software

Step 1

Check for any chat utilities offered by your Internet service provider, if you use one. Most large commercial ISPs offer a variety of chat rooms categorized by topic and demographic segment, as well as general chat rooms with no specific focus.
Step 2

Find out about chat functions offered by any instant message programs you use. Many of these programs let users participate in public chat rooms as well as create their own.
Step 3

Search the World Wide Web, either directly or through a chat room database, for Web-based chat rooms on specific topics.
Step 4

Check out IRC, or Internet Relay Chat, which requires IRC software and involves a set of networks and channels.

Tips & Warnings

Many Web-based chat rooms require you to download and install plug-in software before they can be accessed.
Many chat services let users preview a room by reading the profiles of any users who are currently in the room. Use this function to see if a room is right for you before entering.
Try "lurking," or observing a chat room's discussion without participating, when you first enter a room, to get a feel for how the room operates and what the discussion topic is.
A popular form of Internet chat is IRC, or Internet Relay Chat, which requires IRC software and involves a set of networks and channels.