How to Start Your Own Chat Room

Starting a chat room is a convenient way to connect with friends.

Starting your own chat room is a quick and simple way to communicate in real time with friends or family. Although less popular than Facebook and Twitter, chat rooms are still a convenient place to meet virtually. Setting up a chat room should take under five minutes.

Instructions

1. Go to the Chatzy website (see Resources) and complete the short form. You will have instant access to your own chat room where you can invite friends, customize the chat URL (web address) and control who is allowed to speak in the chat room.

2. Visit the Meebo site (see Resources) and click "Create a Room" to start your own chat room. After completing a form and signing up for a Meebo account, you can customize colors, invite others to join and moderate conversations.

3. Head to the Xat website (see Resources) where you are automatically entered into a public chat room. As you begins customizing your chat room, you will be moved to your own private room. You can customize colors and designs, invite friends to join and moderate conversations.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain safe in chat rooms by never giving out personal information or agreeing to meet a stranger in public. Don't choose a chat name that might reveal your true identity (for instance, Debbie_Smith) and be wary of other chat room users.

References

• Chatzy: FAQ
• Microsoft: Safety Tips for Chat Rooms

Resources

• Chatzy: Start a Free Private Chat
• Meebo: Meebo Rooms
• Xat: Make a Chat Room for Your Webpage