Online chat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Online chat can refer to any kind of communication over the Internet, but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or text-based group chat (formally also known as synchronous conferencing), using tools such as instant messengers, Internet Relay Chat, talkers and possibly MUDs. The expression online chat comes from the word chat which means "informal conversation".[1]

Contents

[edit] Chatiquette

The term chatiquette is a variation of netiquette (chat netiquette) and describes basic rules of online communication.[2][3][4][5] To avoid misunderstandings and to simplify the communication between users in a chat these conventions or guidelines have been created. Chatiquette varies from community to community, generally describing basic courtesy; it introduces new user into the community and the associated network culture. As an example, it is considered rude to write only in UPPER CASE, because it looks as if the user is shouting. The word chatiquette has been used in connection with various chat systems (e.g. IRC) since 1995.[6][7]

[edit] Cultural impact

Despite being virtual, chat can spill into the outside world [8]. There can also be a strong sense of online identity leading to impression of subculture and even the notion of online rape [9]. Compare Internet sociology.

[edit] Software and protocols

The following are common chat programs and protocols:

Chat programs supporting multiple protocols:

Web sites with browser-based chat services (also see web chat):

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ chat - Definitions from Dictionary.com
  2. ^ IRC Chatiquette -- Chat Etiquette
  3. ^ Chatiquette - guidelines for chatting online
  4. ^ UITS - Instant Messaging Chatiquette - University of Arkansas
  5. ^ Using the Internet for Active Teaching and Learning, Steven C. Mills ISBN 0131105469
  6. ^ Electronic Discourse - On Speech and Writing on the Internet - 3. INTERNET RELAY CHAT DISCOURSE
  7. ^ CNET reviews - comparative reviews - chat clients - chatiquette The Internet Archive
  8. ^ Michael Herman. "Chat room user guilty of web rage". http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/public_law/article603710.ece. 
  9. ^ Regina Lynn. "Virtual Rape Is Traumatic, but Is It a Crime?". http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/sexdrive/2007/05/sexdrive_0504. 
v • d • e
Computer-mediated communication
Online chat · Online discussion · Communication software · Collaborative software · Social network service
Asynchronous conferencing
Synchronous conferencing
Stub icon This Internet-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_chat"