What’s The Appeal Of An Anonymous Chat Room? Should You Use One?

Chatrooms came into existence not long after creating the internet, but it took a few years for them to reach the level of prominence that they enjoy today. But what is it about these chatrooms that are so appealing? And is it advisable or safe for you to use one?

The first chat room was created in 1971 by the U.S. government. It was the brainchild of Murray Turoff, a Ph.D. graduate from Berkeley. This system, called EMISARI, allowed ten regional offices to join together for real-time online chat, which was called a party line. This version of the chat room, which today would be seen as rather primitive, was only used in an official capacity. It wouldn't be until later that the public could use one for the wide variety of purposes that are available today.

One of the most prominent reasons that people use chat rooms may be for dating purposes. Hundreds of different dating sites exist now, with some of them being strictly for no-strings-attached sexual encounters, while others are for people looking for long-term relationships.

Gaming

Many people also use chat rooms for gaming. The number of people in these gaming chats has grown year by year. Some individuals might spend hours playing games online. Many have taken the opportunity to immerse themselves deeply into the world of gaming, and chatrooms can be where they go to communicate with like-minded individuals.

Chat rooms for businesses

The possibility of a toxic culture

With anonymity, or when they are not face-to-face, people may say or type things that they would never say to someone in person. 

Some people are perfectly well behaved in chat rooms, but others can treat others poorly when their identity is hidden. 

There is nothing inherently wrong with using a chat room or other social media platforms. You might have a lovely experience. You may meet someone on a dating site, get to know them a little through online chat, and then decide to meet up with them in real life. There are lots of romances that start this way, more and more as this century progresses.

But one should also recognize the risks involved. For example, there are catfishing schemes where people pose as someone else, creating a fake identity to prey on others. You must exercise plenty of caution if you want to spend time in chat rooms. It's one thing to say something to someone in that context, but until you put a face to a name, you may never know if they are actually who they claim to be.

Know why you are there

Be selective with the chat rooms you choose to use, and know exactly your reasons for going on there in the first place. If you are using one connected with a dating site, then it can be helpful to look into some reviews of that site to see whether it is reputable. Sites with a negative reputation are places where you may be more likely to encounter scammers or people with bad manners.

If you feel strongly enough that you've made a connection with someone, then you can arrange to meet with them in person if you are in the same geographic location. You might even feel like you're willing to travel a considerable distance to see them. Just be sure that you're realistic in your expectations when you do so and meet with them somewhere public. Do not intentionally put yourself in a dangerous situation with someone from a chat room you have never met before.

Couples and chat rooms

Some people are in monogamous relationships or married, and they choose to be flirtatious online through chat rooms. There are many possible reasons for doing this. One is that they might wish for the excitement of having an affair, and they feel like they can do it safely by engaging in dirty talk or cybersex without ever having to meet the other person. 

If their spouse or partner finds out about it, though, they are likely to be just as hurt as if physical cheating had taken place. Don't believe that just because you haven't met someone in real life, a relationship with them online doesn't matter. 

If you or your partner have had problems related to chat rooms, you may need to seek online couples' therapy. If you've gotten to that point, then you may have to stop using romantic chat rooms if you want to save the relationship. At the very least, better boundaries should be established.

Find support by speaking with a professional counselor

Chat rooms are neither inherently a positive creation of a negative one. It all depends on how you are using them. If you are having trouble balancing your relationship with a desire to engage in flirtatious behavior in online chat rooms, then couples counseling can make a big difference. In fact, 95% of couples who try online therapy say that it has been “helpful.” Surveys also show that many people feel more comfortable opening up in online therapy as opposed to in-person therapy sessions.