|
Benefits Of Chat Rooms
© Carrie Tynan
May 1, 2002
Last summer I decided to experience chat rooms on the Internet. I first read up on chat room safety. A few of the safety tips I learned were to never give personal information about you to anyone. Never share your password to the Internet and email with others. More importantly when you log on to a chat room use a screen name not your real name. I also learned about moderated and unmoderated chats. I tend to lean towards moderated chats because the rules are posted and enforced. Some rules I look for our no foul language and personal attacks. More importantly be respectful and courteous of others and their choices. While unmoderated chats are more relaxed and free. More importantly, always play it safe and report problems to the web site master.
My first experience was at deafness about.Com. Which is a moderated chat room for deaf and hearing impaired people. I made new friends, shared experiences, resources and contacts. Through this chat I became involved with hearing exchange topic chats. There are many benefits to visiting chat rooms. I asked several of my friends to give me their input. Some responses were; social interaction, support system, sharing resources and experiences. It also helps build confidence and manages loneliness. A good friend sum it up perfectly Chat rooms can make a hard of hearing person feel hearing connecting to the hearing public. I also asked what they look for in a chat. Their answers were friendliness, good humor and respectfulness. More importantly a responsible moderator is needed who presents interesting chat topics and encourages participitation. I also asked the webmaster of Hearing exchange, Paula Rosenthal, to give her view of her chat room. “She feels her chat room fosters community among people with hearing loss as well as their parents and professionals. Members should feel free to bring their questions, offer their insights and experiences.” Like this chat room, hearing exchange, the most important criteria is to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for all individuals who tuned in. Today, as a chat moderator I bring together my experiences and research of Internet safety to my chat sessions every week at Hearing Exchange to provide a safe environment. I make the effort in each session to create a fun informative atmosphere for all attending. Happy chatting and be in safe hands at all times. Join a chat room today !!!!!
Go To Page:
1
The copyright of the article Benefits Of Chat Rooms in Disability Issues is owned by Carrie Tynan. Permission to republish Benefits Of Chat Rooms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
