Chat room moderators throughout the Internet frequently reassure net surfers that they keep their chat rooms thoroughly monitored and safe. The news clearly portrays an entirely different story though. Chat rooms are much more often associated with pedophiles, perverts, psychopaths, and stalkers than they are safety. However, chat rooms do have the potential to be useful and productive.
For example, consider instant messaging. Instant messaging is an evolved form of a chatroom. A user downloads an IM client, and then uses it to send/receive messages to/from family, friends, and coworkers. The system is based on adding contacts, or buddies. Some IM clients allow users to use privacy protection to block anybody who isn’t a buddy from contacting them. AOL instant messenger, for instance, allows this. Yahoo instant messenger, another very prominent IM client, doesn’t allow this. All you can do with YIM is ‘ignore’ certain members who may be harassing you. Unfortunately, he or she can then create a new account and continue with his or her incessant harassment. Nonetheless, instant messaging is far safer than chat rooms.
The main problem with chat rooms is ineffective monitoring. Most chat rooms have been assigned ‘moderators’ who oversee general activity. Some chat rooms don’t even have a moderator. The problem with moderation is that a moderator is not required to follow any set schedule. They log in and log out at their own convenience. Sometimes, a chat room may show four moderators, but each of them may be away from their keyboard, doing something else instead.
The second problem with chat rooms is negligent behavior from users. For instance, some users think it is okay to give out their personal information in a chat room. I once logged into a chat room and heard a girl say, “Hey, guys! Give me a call at xxx-xxx-xxxx if you want to talk. I’m bored!” Giving out your personal information in a chatroom is an open invitation to get scammed, robbed, or hurt. A chat room should essentially be treated as if you are walking through the streets. Would you randomly choose a total stranger and offer him or her your personal information? I think not!
Another issue with chat rooms is children. Children are easy targets for pedophiles and perverts. The only way to avoid this is by teaching your children the value of chat room safety. Too many children get away with chatting with whomever they please. Parents just aren’t taking the time to teach children appropriate Internet etiquette. Teen chat rooms are full of profanity and sexual innuendo. What else would you expect? If you leave a group of unruly children alone, they are likely to get into trouble. It’s the nature of youth.
The only way to be totally safe in a chat room is by protecting yourself accordingly. Relying on a moderator isn’t the way to go. Especially if you have children, take the time to reach them proper chat room etiquette. You don’t want your child to be another victim to rape, murder, or kidnapping. Stay safe, play safe, and live safe!
