Chat rooms have long been a staple of communication for many people, since their original inception over 30 years ago. Their popularity has increased as new technology has paved the way for many different forms of chat including text based chat, audio chat and even video chat. Technology has also made it possible for people to create immersive 3D virtual environments that can be shared by users such as the popular service Second Life. Chat rooms have helped to connect the world like never before in history.
Text based chat is the oldest and probably still to this day the most popular form of chatting online. It comes in a variety of forms including internet relay chat (IRC), instant messaging, and even SMS messaging on your cell phone. Text based chatting is a quick and easy way to send someone a message at your convenience. It may be in real time or in the case of online forums, an archive of conversations. Using text based chat is advantageous as it allows you to keep a record of any conversation you have with anyone for future reference.
Audio chat is a great way to save money on your phone bill. Services such as Skype allow you to chat with someone using your PC microphone and speakers directly through the internet. Audio chat may also be used to create audio conferences that multiple people can connect to similar to a phone conference call. Audio chat is a great alternative to standard phone conversations and has grown in popularity greatly thanks to the internet.
Video chat has also become extremely popular due to the internet. Nowadays you can even video chat on some smart phones, allowing you to share your smiling face with friends and family across the world in real time, no matter where you are. Video chat is one service you will likely need the internet to utilize as few mobile carriers offer a solution that doesn’t require internet access.