What Are the Disadvantages of Online Chatting?
For many years, online chatting has been a mainstay of Internet activity, and it is for the most part a fun, harmless way to socialize. However, there are no shortage of dangers and pitfalls, as the shroud of anonymity provides more deviant types with new ways to go about their business. There are also other, less dangerous disadvantages as well that all should be mindful of.
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Anonymity
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When someone is a faceless entity hiding behind a computer screen, then normal guidelines for social behavior can sometimes be abandoned. For example, chat rooms are often littered with people who say things that they would not say in person, no matter how hateful or offensive. It's almost as if the normal rules of human behavior don't apply, and it's important to keep your guard up when chatting.
Distraction
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For many people, online chatting has joined the ranks of television and video games when it comes to distractions, wasted time and lack of productivity. Unlike the early days of AOL chatting, these days there is a chat room for virtually any and every area of interest, and they can be very addictive. Just like with other distractions, it becomes all too easy to lose track of time.
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Social Limitation
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It's one thing to occasionally chat and enjoy the novelty of talking with people from all over the world, but it's entirely another to make it your only social activity. In worst case scenarios, people will supplant real world human interaction exclusively with online chatting. Granted, that's the worst case scenario, but it's a slippery slope, and over time social skills can erode, which makes you all the more reliant on chatting.
Sexual Predators
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Unfortunately, many sexual predators see chat rooms as fertile territory. They can be very persuasive and convincing, especially with young people. Most chat rooms require you to have a profile, and many predators will use that to get information to learn how to approach you via a private chat. Even adults can be vulnerable, as someone with bad intentions may come off as innocent and harmless enough to arrange a public meeting with.
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References
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