By Christina Klinger Laurie Natale

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Table of Contents  Definition Definition  Features Features  Concerns Concerns  Similarities/Differences with other Communication Tools Similarities/Differences with other Communication Tools  Cost and Examples Cost and Examples  Resources Resources

Definition of Chat  “Two or more individuals connected to the Internet have real-time text-based conversations by typing messages into the computer”

Features  Everything typed is displayed to the whole group  Can include images in real-time via web cams  Can exchange files  Can have exclusive groups or open groups  Can have a private room to converse with only one individual within the group  Can have personal avatars or 3-D settings

Concerns  Online predators may interact with children  Possibly an addictive activity  Cuts into work productivity  Proper behavior can be moderated in some chat rooms

Similarities/Differences with Other communication Technologies  Chatting is conversing with multiple people in real-time  Text messaging or instant messaging only converses with one individual  Forums can be used to post messages for a group but they are bulletin boards for messages rather than real-time

Cost  Depending on the service – chat rooms may be free or charge fees for participation Examples  Talk City Talk City  Chat Avenue Chat Avenue  IMVU IMVU

Resources  