Benefits of chat rooms for older people

A chat room allows you to speak with other people via your computer or laptop and can be a great way for older people to make friends and explore interests and hobbies.

The ‘speaking’  is usually done by typing your responses rather than actually talking to someone and they type back, so you can read their replies. Sometimes, you can speak to one person and sometimes to a number of people at the same time. It’s not a forum, where you leave messages and someone replies at a lter time. Chat rooms run in real time, just like real conversations.

How to start chatting online

You will usually be required to register and create a nickname to use when you are chatting (this doesn’t have to be your real name) and you will usually be asked to provide a password. You will need both of these whenever you log in again to chat. If you forget your details, you can always ask for a nickname or password reminder, which will be sent to your email address. You will need a working email address in order to register.

Read about setting up an email address HERE

Once you’ve registered, you will normally see a box, where you can see what other people are chatting about. If you wish to join in, you can type something and hit the send button so others can see it and comment. If you are nervous about participating to start with, just watch and read the conversations until you are ready to join in.

Remember, you are expected to be polite in the chat room and not to use bad language. Avoid using words in capitals, as it is considered the text equivalent of shouting! If you want to make a point to a particular person in the conversation, just mention their name when you reply. Don’t say anything to anyone in a chat room which you would not say in person.

Staying safe in a chat room

There should be no risks involved in participating in a chat room as long as you remember:

• Not everyone is who they say they are. Never meet someone from a chat room without someone else with you and even then, let a third party know where you are. Do not meet in your own home
• Do not give out any personal details, such as address, telephone number or any financial details
• Never be persuaded to give someone else money or gifts

Chat rooms can be a great way to meet new people and avoid loneliness, but do follow these simple points to make sure you have a pleasant and safe experience.

Read our advice on avoiding scams HERE

Read our advice on how to stay safe online HERE

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