Getting Started and Being Safe: Chat Rooms
2016, October 07
Getting Started and Being Safe: Chat Rooms
Adult chat rooms are usually considered harmless and fun; however, they still require a certain amount of precaution. One can never be too careful when talking to strangers. Are you new to chat rooms? Here are some tips to help you get started and to keep you safe.
Choosing a Username
Choosing a username is important, and the first thing you will do when logging into your preferred chat room. Likely you have a regular username that you use for all of your logins, and it’s important that you DO NOT use this when entering a chat room. Your username should contain no identifying information, including your name, date of birth, year of birth, zip code, and city. The more random and unique your username is, the better.
Don’t Reveal Any Personal Information
This might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to find a person online these days with very little information. Rather than using your real name, use a nickname or alias when talking to friends in a chat room. Additionally, it’s better to be vague about your profession and keep where you work anonymous. That includes the city you work and live in, regardless of how friendly or trustworthy your fellow chatters might seem.
Avoid Giving Out Your Phone Number
If you connect with someone and would like to get to know them outside of the chat room, be sure not to give them your real phone number. You can avoid this by downloading one of several apps that can provide you with an alternative phone number that won’t give away your personal information. A simple Google search of someone’s phone number can provide the name the number is registered under, the city they’re from, and sometimes even a home address.
Understand the Different Kinds of Chat Rooms
There are hundreds of chat rooms online, and each designated for those with specific interests in mind. It’s important to note that there are chat rooms for adults that show content you might not be looking for, such as sex and webcam chat rooms. You should conduct research before joining a room. There are themed chats, and chats with different kinds of groups, rules and guidelines. It’s about finding the chat room that’s best for you.
Report Anyone Breaking Chat Room Rules
Each chat room has its own rules in regard to the content that can and cannot be shared. If you feel someone isn’t following these rules or is harassing you or anyone else in the chat room for personal information, simply report the incident. You should also be able to block any user that you find disagreeable.
Have Fun
While it’s hard to avoid certain individuals who will try to ruin your experience in a chat room, it’s just like any other aspect of life. Enjoy meeting and chatting with new people, and don’t let those who bring negative vibes into the room ruin your experience.