10 Tips for Chat Room Etiquette

Chat rooms are great places to “meet” people from all around the world. But it’s important to remember involvement in virtual communication still requires proper etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone in the room.

For those of you who are new to chat rooms, I’ve put together these etiquette tips before you enter a chat to ensure you have a flame-free experience!

1. Review the “rules of engagement” when you join the community.
2. If it’s your first time in the room, try “lurking” for a while to get a feel for how the chat room operates before jumping in.
3. When you’re ready to participate, introduce yourself first. Just like you would when meeting people in a “real” setting.
4. Avoid using profanity or offensive language. Keep it clean!
5. Typing an entry in all caps can be considered rude, and is the equivalent to YELLING. Constant “shouting” will turn off other chatters. Keep the “noise” to a minimum.
6. When addressing someone in the chat, use their screen name. Chats move quickly and it can be difficult to catch the conversation if you’re not clear.
7. Don’t get too personal. Don’t use your real name or reveal any personal information in a chat room.
8. Avoid direct confrontations with abusive users. If a chat host is available, alert them of the abusive chatter, but don’t engage them.
9. Don’t do ALL the talking. Respond to questions and comments. Be part of the conversation, but don’t fill the chat board with “all about me” entries! Listening is part of communication.
10. Welcome all newcomers that enter the chat room. Remember when you were a “newbie”?

There are so many opportunities for people to connect online. It still amazes me at how easy it is today to connect with someone half a world away!

No matter where you meet people online, following just a few common courtesies will ensure that

the experience is enjoyable for you – and for your new friends!

photo: ChristylnsDesign