Online chat can refer to any kind of communication over the Internet, but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or text-based group chat (formally also known as synchronous conferencing), using tools such as instant messengers, Internet Relay Chat, talkers and possibly MUDs, MUSHes and MOOes. The expression online chat comes from the word chat which means "informal conversation".^[1]

Chatiquette

The term chatiquette is a variation of netiquette (chat netiquette) and describes basic rules of online communication.^[2][3][4][5] To avoid misunderstandings and to simplify the communication between users in a chat these conventions or guidelines have been created. The chatiquette varies from community to community, in general it describes basic courtesy, introduces new user into the community and the associated network culture. As an example, it is considered rude to write only in UPPER CASE, because it looks as if you are shouting.

The word chatiquette has been used in connection with various chat systems (e.g. IRC) since 1995.^[6][7]

Cultural impact

Despite being virtual, chat can spill into the outside world ^[8]. There can also be a strong sense of online identity leading to impression of subculture and even the notion of online rape ^[9]. Compare Internet sociology.

Software and protocols

The following are common chat programs and protocols:

• AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
• Camfrog
• Campfire
• Gadu-Gadu
• Google Talk
• ICQ (OSCAR)
• Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
• Jabber (XMPP)
• MUD
• MUSH
• PalTalk
• Pichat
• PSYC
• QQ
• SILC
• Skype
• Talk
• Talker
• TeamSpeak (TS)
• Windows Live Messenger
• Yahoo! Messenger

Chat programs supporting multiple protocols:

• Adium
• Digsby
• IMVU
• Kopete
• Miranda IM
• Pidgin
• Trillian
• Quiet Internet Pager

Quotes

Humorous chat exchanges can be found on databases of quotes (QDBs), the more notable of which include:

• Bash.org - Collection of amusing quotes (unavailable as of 2008-08-10)
• QDB.us - Quote Database
• Quotes.bash.fi - Collection of Finnish and English quotes on the internet

References

See also

• Chat (disambiguation)
• Chat room
• Collaborative software
• Live support software
• Online dating service

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