Being Cautious When You Chat With Strangers Online Via Virtual Chat Rooms
There are many reasons people are drawn to online communication. For instance, some people find non-verbal communication less intimidating than in-person communication, while others seek connection with like-minded people, and some enjoy the potential mental health benefits of talking to strangers. Virtual platforms can provide meaningful ways to connect with others, but there are good reasons to be cautious when meeting strangers online.
Reasons to stay cautious when you chat with strangers online
Online friendships are common, with one survey finding that that 76% of United States residents surveyed met a friend online that they hadn’t met in person, and 62% saying they had at least 5 online friends. Here are 8 reasons to stay cautious, as well as tips to protect yourself when chatting online.
Identity theft exists
Online safety with the Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation runs a page dedicated to online safety. They offer additional recommendations when you talk to strangers online, including avoiding public internet whenever possible, avoiding airport and hotel charging stations, and not clicking on unsolicited links.
Be aware of catfishing in chat rooms
Anyone can be catfished (lured into a relationship with a stranger through deception). If you venture into chat rooms and find someone who does not want to video chat, talk over the phone, or meet in person, it may be a sign that they are not the person they say they are. Some other signs of catfishing include:
Refusing to meet in person, or agreeing to meet and then canceling plans
Few photos of themselves
Refusing to talk on the phone or video chat
Asking for money
Feelings for you develop quickly
Soliciting information about you
They tell you stories that don’t line up or make sense
They have very few friends on social media
Conducting a reverse image search
If you chat with strangers and believe you may have been catfished, you may want to conduct a reverse image search on their photos to see if their photos are used by other accounts. Then, block and report accounts that are impersonating others.
Know the signs of grooming
Online grooming occurs when someone builds a trusting relationship with a minor or young adult to manipulate and exploit them. They may lie about things like their age, location, background, or appearance. Sometimes, groomers may use photos and/or videos of people other than themselves to gain trust. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, the following tactics are commonly used by groomers:
Buying or offering gifts
Frequent messaging
Pretending to be younger than they are
Giving advice, or acting understanding to build trust or solicit more information
Trying to keep your discussions secret
Asking for inappropriate images
Trying to meet in person
Isolating from family
Blackmailing
Grooming is a type of abuse, and people who experience it are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, and difficulty concentrating on daily activities. If you experience grooming, you may experience conflicting emotions. You are not alone, and therapy may be a helpful option.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
It’s easy to give out too much information
Many people upload information on social media, such as geo-tagged photos, check-ins on vacation, photos at the airport, or posts including valuable belongings. Hashtags like #airport or #onvacation are sometimes used by burglars to find your address and determine when you’re out of town. Other posts, such as photos depicting the layout of your home or your address, can also aid burglars. Any random chat is susceptible, it’s likely helpful to guard your information closely no matter what online chat service you use.
If you are messaging with someone, avoid telling them where you are located.
Online bullying
According to research published in 2021, cyberbullying poses a serious public health threat to young people.
Watch for misinformation
Rumors, conspiracy theories, and misinformation are often spread online. The World Economic Forum reports that misinformation online is a major threat to human societies, and research finds that once misinformation successfully triggers false beliefs, they are resistant to change. Chatting online with strangers may put you at risk of exposure to misinformation, which can lead to radicalization and poor mental and physical health outcomes. Examine profile photos, friend lists, and their public content to help you determine whether an account is legitimate before chatting.
Crowdfunding scams
Platforms like Kickstarter, and Indiegogo allow people to create projects and receive donations from others. While these platforms are often used for legitimate purposes, some people may use them to create crowdfunding scams. To lure people into giving money, scammers may message you asking for help, or they may take time to develop a relationship with you before divulging a fake crowdfunding opportunity. If you believe you’ve encountered a crowdfunding scam, you can report it to your Attorney General, and contact the Federal Trade Commission to make a report.
Hackers
Hackers may attempt to message you and eventually send a file, photo, video, or link. Forbes Advisor reports that many of these links direct you to fake sites that ask you to enter personal details (such as your password or credit card number), or they may install malware. Never open links you are not expecting, and if you do click a link, take steps to protect your device immediately.
What can you do to stay safe online?
Though there are some risks, talking to people online can provide an opportunity to meet new people and build a sense of community. To improve your safety, try to adhere to the following tips:
Don’t discuss sensitive information
Do not click on unsolicited links
Utilize two-step verification
Use unique passwords
Decline friend requests from people you do not know
Leave the conversation if you feel uncomfortable
Ask for help if you need it
Therapy can help
There is nothing wrong with enjoying online chatting. However, the potential for nefarious activities should be taken seriously. If you’ve experienced a breach of trust that can come from being misled online, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing trust issues, psychiatric disorders, relationship challenges, self-blame, and school absenteeism.
Efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy for psychiatric disorders and other mental health issues
A 2016 review found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective in addressing the symptoms of mild to moderate psychiatric disorders. If you find it easier to connect with people when you’re not physically in the same room, you may prefer online therapy from sites like Regain, over traditional in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Though many people have a positive experience chatting with strangers online, there are some risks. By taking steps to protect your information and learning to recognize red flags, you can improve your safety and experience. If you’ve experienced catfishing, scamming, hacking, or online grooming, you may want to consider reaching out to a therapist to talk about it. Online CBT is shown to effectively improve symptoms of psychiatric disorders for most people, and it’s often less intimidating than in-person therapy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are questions commonly asked about the topic, “chat with strangers online.”
How can I chat with strangers?
Chatting with strangers is simple! The easiest way to chat with strangers is to put yourself in a space, whether physical or online, where you feel comfortable. It’s also useful to be in a place that is focused on one of your interests or a common goal. For example, it’s a lot easier to meet people and talk to strangers at a small party where you have mutual friends than it is to chat with someone in a bar where you’ve never been before. Or, it’s a lot easier to talk to and meet people that you’re volunteering with than it is to meet people just walking down the street.
The best way to chat with strangers is to put yourself in a context that already focuses on the commonalities that you have with them. It’s also a great way to meet people who will be around more consistently so that you can grow a friendship.
Which is the best app to chat with strangers?
When you’re looking for the best app to chat talk to strangers, you need to first lay out your goals and expectations for the chat. Are you looking for nothing more than friendship in the chat room? Or are you hoping to find a romantic partner when you talk to people online? Are you trying to flirt online with the hopes that it develops into something more? Do you expect the friendship to continue and to meet people outside of the chat room, in the real world?
All of these parameters will help you choose the best app to meet new people and talk to strangers online. When you’re looking for a chat app, you can check the descriptions and reviews. For many people who are looking for a romantic relationship online, different apps cater to different tastes. You can also ask your friends for their own experiences and reviews of the free chat apps and dating apps that they use.
Is it okay to talk to strangers online?
It’s perfectly fine to talk with strangers online, as long as you stick to the common sense safety rules. In fact, chat rooms and social media are great places to discuss your ideas and feelings with new people. It can be a great way to make new friends online who have the same interests as you.
Where can I talk to random strangers?
While you can talk to random strangers anywhere, the internet has a whole host of free random chat rooms. Basically, you sign up for the random chat service, and you get paired with another user. Then, you are free to random chat talk about whatever you want. However, you should be careful when you’re using this type of chat room, since there aren’t many restrictions on who can join, and the premise often attracts people who might have malicious intentions. So, random chat rooms aren’t always safe, but they are a surefire way to meet interesting characters online.
Which is the best online chat?
The best online chat will be different for different people. The best way to find a place to talk to people online is to join a chat room that’s based on one of your interests. This online chat environment is a wonderful way to meet people who have similar interests to you. That way, you’ll automatically have something to chat about!
Dating apps
If you’re looking to flirt online, dating apps are the best bet for you. This way, you can meet people online who are also looking for some romantic involvement. Dating apps are used to meet new friends, and connections for a possible partner to develop romantic relationships with.
Why do people talk to strangers online?
There are a lot of different reasons why a person might turn to a chat room or free chat app to talk to strangers online. They might not be able to find a community of people with their beliefs or interests in the places around them, so they’ll turn to a chat room or free chat app to discuss their interests with others around the world. Or, they may be in a transitional time in their life and they want to surround themselves with new people. So, they use a chat room or free chat app to meet new people online before bringing those friendships into the real world.
Whatever the reason, using a chat room or free chat app is a popular way for people to make new friends these days. As long as they’re using common sense and practicing some safety precautions, a chat room or free chat app online is a great way to branch out and expand their social horizons!
What questions can I ask a stranger?
How do I make small talk?
Where can I talk to strangers for free?
How can I talk interestingly?
What things can you talk about with a stranger to put yourself at ease?
What should you not talk about with a stranger?
What are some cautionary tips to help have a safe conversation with a stranger?
What are good conversation starters with a stranger so you won't feel awkward?
Why are most people afraid of talking to strangers in chat rooms?
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