More people may use social media to connect with others, but is more communication considered negative or positive for social media users?
Most chat rooms offer anonymity, which can give us the confidence to talk about things we wouldn't normally share with people we know "in real life" (IRL). It can be easier to open up to people that we meet online, but should we? Let's take a look at some pros and cons.
Pros
- Anonymity
- The chance to meet new people with different views
- The opportunity to get perspectives from around the world
- Easy to find people based on your age, gender, interests, and goals (whether you're looking for social support or dating)
- Free and easy to use
- Offers unbiased opinions
When you speak to someone in a chat room, you may have things in common, but you don't know the person intimately like you do your friends and family. While this might sound like a drawback, it can be a benefit as well, as you can sometimes get a better perspective from a stranger than you can from someone who knows you well. Those who love you may be biased in your favor, and they might not be able to see your situation objectively.
In addition, if you are someone who struggles with sharing your emotions, you might feel more comfortable with written communication. There is some safety and comfort to not having to share deep feelings face-to-face. This can be especially true if you struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem. And anonymity is another perk of chatting online.
Moreover, there's solidarity to be found when talking to multiple people going through similar situations. While your family and friends may be able to comfort you, they might not always understand what you're going through. Many online forums allow you to connect to people with a background similar to yours, or if you are looking for a different perspective, you have the option of talking to diverse people who can introduce you to new ways of thinking.
Finally, if you are feeling isolated, it's better to have someone to talk to online than no one at all-that is, unless you're speaking to someone who is toxic. Keeping our emotions inside can be damaging, so even if you do not have a one-on-one chat with someone, sharing on a message board and receiving feedback from others can make all the difference.
Cons
- You can't be sure other people are being honest or that they are who they say they are
- If you are feeling vulnerable, people online might try to take advantage of you
- Building relationships online can result in your spending less time with friends and family
While most people on online forums genuinely want to help, we can't know someone's true motivation. For example, we are all aware of the problem of online bullying. Additionally, there are people who pretend to be someone else to gain others' trust. Remember not to give too much identifying information online until you are comfortable with someone. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, you should consider ending the chat.
Ideally, it is probably best to think of Internet chats as one way-but not the only way-to seek support. If you spend all of your time chatting online, you will neglect nurturing and fostering in-person relationships. It's important to interact with people not only digitally but also face-to-face, as in-person contact is a fundamental need.
The Bottom Line
Many people have met friends and loved ones online and have built lasting relationships. Unfortunately, there have also been many cases where people are not who they seem to be. Some are online predators who befriend people to get money from them. If you like online chat rooms because they make you feel safer when opening up about your feelings, don't stop using them. Just be careful. A little bit of Internet literacy can go a long way toward protecting yourself.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Online Chat Rooms
If you're visiting an online chat room simply to speak casually with people, you only need to keep your digital safety in mind. When you are seeking help and understanding from others, however, you also need to guard your emotional safety. Here are some tips that will help keep you safe in online chat rooms
- Know That Online Chat Rooms May Not Be Right for Everyone or Every Situation
Digital Therapy is a growing trend, especially among those who don't have time to visit a local counselor. Even some small crisis chat sites offer volunteers you can confide in about day-to-day issues. For some, this is an effective solution. Others, however, may need face-to-face therapy or a licensed online therapist to get the right level of help with their problems. If you are not getting the relief you need from online chat rooms, they may not be right for you.
- Not All Sites Are Safe or Legitimate
Internet safety is something that needs to be observed when using online chat rooms. While there are quite a few great sites, there are others that may be trying to steal your information and access data on your computer. Always do research before visiting a chat room.
- Not All Therapists or Sites Are Helpful
There are many great online resources, but there are also smart individuals who can scam you into believing that you are getting help. If you are using a site you have to pay for, be careful whom you trust, as they may be tricking you into spending your money. You should only receive help from reputable websites.
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