Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Online chat

Online chat is a form of synchronous computer-mediated communication that enables real-time exchange of text messages between individuals or groups over the internet, typically through dedicated software or web-based platforms that simulate the immediacy of spoken conversation. It originated in the early 1970s with experimental systems like Talkomatic, developed in 1973 by Doug Brown and David Woolley on the PLATO computer system at the University of Illinois, which allowed multiple users to converse in shared virtual spaces using split-screen interfaces. This marked the beginning of multi-user chat environments, predating widespread internet access and laying the groundwork for modern interactive online discourse. The evolution of online chat accelerated in the late 1980s with the advent of Internet Relay Chat (IRC), created in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen at the University of Oulu in Finland as a protocol for multi-user, channel-based discussions over networked servers. IRC enabled global, topic-specific group chats and private messaging, fostering communities around hobbies, support, and news events, such as its prominent use during the 1991 Gulf War for real-time information sharing. By the mid-1990s, the rise of personal computers and dial-up internet spurred consumer-oriented instant messaging services, including ICQ launched in 1996 by Israeli developers Yair Goldfinger, Arik Vardi, Sefi Vigiser, and Amnon Amir, which introduced features like user status indicators ("I Seek You") and peer-to-peer connections for one-on-one chats. Subsequent innovations, such as in 1997, expanded accessibility with buddy lists, , and integration into ecosystems, rapidly growing to millions of users by the early and influencing social norms around constant connectivity. Online chat has since diversified into formats, incorporating audio, video, and emojis within applications like learning management systems for educational debates or professional tools for collaborative work, while remaining fundamentally a tool for fostering social bonds, , and virtual communities in both personal and professional contexts. Its synchronous nature distinguishes it from asynchronous methods like , promoting immediate feedback but also raising challenges such as concerns and digital divides in access.

Overview

Definition and Characteristics

Online chat refers to real-time or near-real-time communication between users through text, audio, video, or multimedia exchanged over computer , primarily via internet-connected devices such as computers, smartphones, or tablets. This form of interaction enables direct, dynamic exchanges that mimic face-to-face conversations in digital environments, often facilitated by dedicated applications or web-based platforms. Key characteristics of online chat include its immediacy, characterized by low latency in message delivery, which supports fluid, ongoing dialogues; interactivity, involving bidirectional exchanges where participants respond contingently to each other; persistence, through the storage of chat logs that allow review of past interactions; and scalability, accommodating interactions from one-to-one private messages to large group discussions. These attributes distinguish online chat from asynchronous methods like email, which involves delayed responses without expectation of immediate reply, and discussion forums, where contributions are typically threaded and not real-time, thus lacking the conversational flow enabled by chat's synchronous nature. At its core, online chat comprises three basic components: users who initiate and engage in the communication; user interfaces, such as apps, windows, or clients, that provide the front-end for input and ; and backend servers that handle routing, storage, and delivery to ensure reliable transmission across . Over time, interfaces have evolved from early terminal-based systems requiring command-line inputs to contemporary and applications featuring graphical, touch-friendly designs that enhance and .

Historical Evolution

The origins of online chat trace back to the early 1970s with the development of on the system at the University of Illinois, created in 1973 by programmers Doug Brown and David R. Woolley as the first multi-user chat application, allowing up to nine participants to engage in real-time text-based conversations divided across screen sections. This innovation emerged within an educational computing environment, enabling synchronous group discussions that foreshadowed modern chat rooms. By 1980, introduced the CB Simulator, the first publicly accessible service modeled after , which allowed real-time messaging for subscribers and marked the commercialization of chat beyond academic networks. The 1990s saw significant growth in chat technologies, driven by expanding internet access. In 1988, developed Internet Relay Chat (IRC) at the in , introducing a protocol for multi-user group conversations over the internet that became a standard for open, server-based chatting. Instant messaging gained mainstream traction with ICQ's launch in 1996 by Israel's Mirabilis, offering user-friendly text chats with features like status indicators and "uh-oh" notifications for missed messages, attracting millions of users worldwide. Instant Messenger (), released in 1997, further propelled adoption by integrating seamlessly with 's vast user base, emphasizing buddy lists and emoticons that defined early personal communication. The expanded chat into web-based and social platforms, coinciding with the shift from dial-up to connections that enabled richer interactions. , launched in 2005, pioneered web-based aggregation of multiple services like and , allowing browser access without downloads and broadening reach to non-desktop users. Chat, introduced in April 2008, integrated real-time messaging within the social network, fostering seamless conversations among friends and accelerating chat's social embedding. The transition to , which overtook dial-up in U.S. households by 2004, facilitated this evolution by supporting persistent connections and multimedia elements previously limited by slow speeds. In the 2010s, mobile devices drove chat toward ubiquity and innovation. , founded in 2009 by and , revolutionized mobile messaging with and cross-platform support, reaching over 2 billion users by emphasizing simple, cost-free texting via data networks. , launched in 2011, popularized ephemeral messaging where content disappears after viewing, appealing to younger users seeking in visual exchanges. , released in 2015, targeted gaming communities with low-latency voice, video, and text channels, growing to serve millions in organized servers. Post-2020 developments were shaped by the , which spurred a surge in video-integrated chats. Zoom's daily meeting participants escalated from 10 million in December 2019 to over 300 million by April 2020, as and normalized video calls within chat ecosystems. By 2025, global online chat usage has reached billions, with platforms like alone boasting over 3 billion monthly active users. Recent integrations, such as ' Copilot launched in 2023, enhanced productivity through features like meeting summaries and real-time transcription, with ongoing updates in 2025 improving personalization and analytics.

Types and Formats

Text-Based Chats

Text-based chats enable users to type and exchange messages in , facilitating immediate communication without audio or visual elements. These interactions rely on protocols such as the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), an that streams structured XML data over persistent connections to deliver near-instantaneous text delivery between clients. XMPP supports core features like presence notifications for user availability and extensible payloads that accommodate enhancements such as Unicode-based emojis for , through Jingle extensions for transfers, and message threading to organize replies in conversations. Common formats include one-to-one for private exchanges and group chats for multi-user discussions. In systems like Internet Relay Chat (IRC), group interactions occur in channels—named virtual spaces prefixed with symbols like '#'—where participants join to engage in open, topic-based conversations, with channels forming dynamically upon the first user entry. To promote efficiency in bandwidth-constrained or fast-paced environments, users often employ shorthand notations, such as "" to denote laughter and emojis as compact visual cues, which studies indicate help convey tone and reduce typing demands while maintaining clarity in abbreviated exchanges. Historically, text-based chats gained prominence in the early era, with IRC emerging in 1988 and dominating the 1990s as the primary platform for global, open discussions among hundreds of thousands of users across distributed networks. This format persisted into modern applications, exemplified by Telegram's launch in 2013, which introduced secret chats offering for private text exchanges, including self-destructing messages to enhance security without server-side storage. Text-based chats offer advantages such as minimal requirements, enabling in regions with limited , and suiting users who prefer asynchronous, thoughtful written responses over spoken ones. However, they carry disadvantages like the potential for misinterpretation due to the absence of vocal tone or facial expressions, which can lead to communication breakdowns that require clarification. In contemporary developments, traditional SMS-based text chats have evolved into (RCS), standardized by the , which by 2025 incorporates advanced text features like indicators, read receipts, and extended lengths up to 3,072 characters, while preserving low-data for cross-carrier .

Multimedia Chats

chats extend beyond text-based exchanges by incorporating real-time audio and video elements, enabling richer interpersonal interactions through voice-over-IP (VoIP) for audio transmission and video streaming for . These chats typically include features such as screen sharing for collaborative viewing of documents or presentations, reactions for quick emotional feedback, and virtual backgrounds to enhance or aesthetics during calls. VoIP converts analog voice signals into digital data packets transmitted over the , supporting seamless integration of audio with video in platforms like modern conferencing tools. The evolution of multimedia chats began in the early 1990s with CU-SeeMe, a pioneering desktop videoconferencing software developed at Cornell University in 1992, which allowed real-time grayscale video transmission at resolutions up to 320x240 pixels using standard internet connections and optional cameras. This tool marked the shift from hardware-intensive systems to accessible PC-based solutions, initially supporting one-to-one and multiparty video without audio, which was added in 1995. By 2010, Apple's FaceTime introduced mobile video calling on iPhone 4, leveraging Wi-Fi and later cellular networks for two-way video chats between Apple devices. In the 2020s, platforms like Google Meet, launched in 2017 as part of G Suite and rebranded in 2020, expanded to support up to 100 participants with HD video and integrated collaboration tools. Advancements in video compression have enabled 4K resolution in conferencing by 2025, with efficient encoding reducing bandwidth needs to around 15-18 Mbps for smooth playback even in constrained networks. Multimedia chats operate in various formats, including point-to-point calls for direct one-on-one video interactions and multi-user conferences accommodating dozens of participants simultaneously. Integration with (AR) filters, such as Snapchat lenses introduced in 2015, allows users to overlay real-time effects like facial animations or environmental changes during video chats, enhancing expressiveness in social applications. These AR elements, powered by , enable dynamic modifications to video feeds without disrupting the flow of conversation. Despite their advantages, multimedia chats face challenges related to higher bandwidth demands—typically 1-3 Mbps for HD video compared to negligible for text—and latency issues in low-quality connections, which can cause audio-video desynchronization or delays exceeding 150 ms, leading to conversational overlaps. Poor network conditions exacerbate , resulting in frozen frames or dropped calls. However, these formats provide significant benefits by conveying non-verbal cues like expressions and gestures. A commonly cited but context-specific study by suggests that in cases of emotional communication with inconsistent verbal and non-verbal signals, non-verbal cues ( expressions and ) can account for 93% of the message's impact, highlighting their importance in virtual settings for conveying such nuances when transmission quality allows. A key technical component in multimedia chats is the , standardized by the IETF in 2012 (RFC 6716), which compresses audio for VoIP applications with bitrates from 6 to 510 kb/s and frame sizes as low as 2.5 ms to minimize in scenarios like videoconferencing. combines speech and music optimization, offering robust concealment for unreliable networks, and is widely adopted in platforms for its low computational overhead and high-quality output across sampling rates up to 48 kHz.

Specialized Forms

Specialized forms of online chat extend beyond general text and multimedia interactions by incorporating advanced technologies and context-specific adaptations to meet unique user needs in areas such as , , , , and . These variants often leverage emerging protocols and integrations to enhance functionality in niche environments, building on foundational chat types while introducing specialized features like and spatial awareness. AI-driven chats represent a significant evolution, utilizing conversational agents powered by large language models to provide automated, human-like interactions within applications. Since the launch of in November 2022, integrations have proliferated across platforms, enabling (NLP) for generating responses, answering queries, and facilitating dynamic dialogues without human intervention. For instance, OpenAI's Apps SDK, introduced in October 2025, allows developers to embed interactive AI agents directly into chat interfaces, supporting tasks from content creation to real-time assistance. These systems employ advanced techniques to interpret context, maintain conversation flow, and adapt to user intent, marking a shift toward proactive, intelligent communication tools. By 2025, alone had reached 800 million weekly active users, underscoring the scale of adoption for such automated chats. In gaming and virtual worlds, chats are tailored for immersive, context-aware environments that blend text, voice, and spatial elements to enhance player coordination and social presence. introduced built-in voice chat in 2018, allowing squad members to communicate in real-time during battles, which became a core feature for its mode launched in 2017. Similarly, , established in 2006 as a platform, has evolved its chat systems with spatial audio updates; the Spatial Voice feature debuted in 2021 to simulate realistic sound propagation in virtual spaces, and by 2025, enhancements like the ReverbAPI and Acoustic Simulation beta further integrated environmental audio effects for experiences. These adaptations prioritize proximity-based interactions, where audio volume and directionality mimic physical distances, fostering more natural group dynamics in multiplayer settings. Ephemeral and secure forms emphasize through temporary messaging and decentralized architectures, catering to users concerned with persistence and . Signal's disappearing messages , rolled out in October 2016, enables users to set timers for messages to self-delete after periods ranging from five seconds to one week, ensuring conversations vanish from devices automatically. Complementing this, blockchain-based decentralized chats have gained traction via protocols, which distribute control across networks to prevent single-point censorship. In 2024, protocols like Polkadot and facilitated interoperable, secure messaging apps that integrate with crypto wallets and DeFi platforms, exemplified by tools such as , a chat client using for encrypted, tamper-proof exchanges. These systems leverage and distributed ledgers to maintain user sovereignty, with adoption driven by the need for verifiable, non-custodial communication in decentralized ecosystems. Collaborative tools integrate chat directly into productivity workflows, enabling seamless real-time editing and discussion. Google Docs, launched in 2006, incorporated real-time co-editing capabilities in 2010 through operational transformation algorithms, allowing multiple users to modify documents simultaneously while chatting inline to resolve conflicts or provide feedback. By 2025, trends in VR/AR social chats extended this model into immersive realms, with platforms like VRChat evolving to support avatar-based discussions in shared virtual environments, where gestures and spatial positioning enhance collaborative interactions. These developments prioritize low-latency synchronization and multimodal inputs, such as voice annotations in 3D spaces, to streamline team-based creation. Unique aspects of specialized chats include customizations for , such as haptic , which provides tactile cues to assist users with visual or auditory impairments. For example, mobile chat apps can deliver customizable vibration patterns to signal incoming messages or interaction confirmations, improving usability for those relying on screen readers or with motor challenges. In , haptic integrations in platforms like Meta's Horizon OS extended this to VR chats, pairing vibrations with audio for coherent, inclusive experiences in social metaverses. Overall, these specialized forms have driven substantial growth, with AI chats alone contributing to over 55 billion visits across top platforms in the past year, reflecting their transformative impact on online communication.

Technical Aspects

Communication Modes

Online chat communication operates primarily in synchronous mode, enabling exchanges where messages are sent and received with minimal delay, typically under one second, fostering a sense of presence similar to face-to-face , as seen in instant replies within platforms like . This mode supports dynamic , such as brainstorming sessions or urgent , where participants must be online simultaneously. While some modern platforms incorporate asynchronous features like delayed responses, read receipts, and message edit histories (exemplified by threaded discussions in channels) to maintain context over time, these extend beyond the core synchronous nature of and accommodate non-urgent exchanges without requiring instant feedback. Synchronous modes excel in providing immediacy and , ideal for quick decision-making and team alignment. Hybrid models, blending synchronous with asynchronous elements, have become prevalent in 2025 tools like Discord's threaded conversations, which support live voice chats alongside persistent text threads for follow-up. The choice of approach is influenced by factors such as network latency, which can disrupt flows, and user availability, with modern systems adapting to varying conditions. Historically, evolved from purely synchronous systems like Internet Chat (IRC) in the late 1980s, with contemporary platforms adding asynchronous-friendly designs resembling email-integrated messaging. Synchronous modes benefit from heightened engagement and rapid but can lead to communication due to the demand for constant responsiveness. Asynchronous extensions alleviate this pressure by allowing paced participation, though they risk losing conversational context if responses are too delayed. These trade-offs highlight the importance of selecting approaches based on the conversation's goals, with hybrids often mitigating drawbacks by combining immediacy with flexibility.

Protocols and Standards

Online chat protocols have evolved significantly from proprietary systems in the late 1990s, such as AOL Instant Messenger, which operated on closed architectures that restricted between different services, to open standards championed by the (IETF) and other bodies, enabling broader compatibility and innovation. This shift began with early efforts like the and Presence Protocol (IMPP) in the early 2000s, which laid groundwork for standardized messaging, transitioning to more extensible frameworks that support diverse chat functionalities. Core protocols for online chat include Internet Relay Chat (IRC), defined in 1459 in 1993, which facilitates text-based communication in channels through a client-server model using simple text commands for joining rooms, sending messages, and managing users. The Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), standardized by the IETF in 2004 via 3920 (superseded by 6120 in 2011), enables real-time, XML-based messaging and presence information, supporting decentralized federation across servers for extensible chat applications. For voice-over-IP signaling in multimedia chats, the (SIP), outlined in 3261 in 2002, establishes, modifies, and terminates sessions, often extended with SIMPLE for instant messaging capabilities. Modern standards build on these foundations to address and federated needs. WebRTC, initially developed in 2011 and standardized by the W3C in 2013 (with IETF RFCs like 8827), provides APIs for direct browser-to-browser audio, video, and data exchange without plugins, revolutionizing web-based chat. The Matrix protocol, introduced in 2014 by the Matrix.org Foundation, supports decentralized, federated communication through a room-based model using HTTP and , emphasizing open-source interoperability for secure, synchronized chats across homeservers. Security protocols enhance these systems with robust protections. The , released in 2013 by , implements using the for and deniability, widely adopted in messaging apps including starting in 2016 for billions of users. For authentication in contemporary chat APIs as of 2025, OAuth 2.0 (with emerging OAuth 2.1 drafts) serves as the standard for secure, delegated access, allowing third-party integrations without sharing credentials, as seen in platforms like and APIs. Recent 2025 updates incorporate quantum-resistant encryption, such as Signal's PQXDH key agreement and hybrid post-quantum ratchets, to mitigate threats from future quantum computers capable of breaking classical public-key systems. Interoperability remains a key focus, with standards like , specified by the in its Universal Profile 2.0 in 2016, unifying traditional with IP-based chats to enable rich media, read receipts, and typing indicators across carriers and devices, achieving widespread adoption by 2025 following Apple's 18 integration. However, challenges persist in cross-platform compatibility, including inconsistent feature support across operating systems (e.g., partial in RCS without universal implementation) and fragmentation due to varying carrier deployments, hindering seamless experiences between , , and web clients.

Software and Platforms

Online chat encompasses a diverse array of software and platforms designed to facilitate communication across personal, professional, and community contexts. These tools have evolved to support text, voice, video, and interactions, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and integration in the as of 2025. applications dominate consumer use, enabling seamless text-based exchanges with added functionalities. WhatsApp, owned by , leads with approximately 2.9 billion monthly active users worldwide in 2025, offering features such as group chats, voice and video calls, and across mobile and desktop devices. Telegram, with around 1 billion monthly active users in 2025, prioritizes for private and group communications, while incorporating interactive elements like polls for decision-making and bots for automated tasks such as notifications or custom commands. These apps underscore the shift toward secure, feature-rich mobile experiences that support billions in daily interactions. In enterprise environments, platforms focus on structured collaboration to enhance productivity. , launched in 2013, integrates with over 2,000 third-party applications, allowing users to create dedicated channels for topic-specific discussions and automate workflows through customizable bots and integrations. , which introduced AI-powered Copilot in 2023, builds on this by embedding intelligent summaries, meeting recaps, and task suggestions within its channels and file-sharing tools, catering to hybrid workforces with deep ties to the suite. These platforms emphasize organized threading and real-time notifications to streamline team coordination. Video-centric platforms have solidified their role in both casual and professional settings post-pandemic. maintains a robust user base, hosting millions of daily meetings in 2025 with features like breakout rooms, screen sharing, and AI-driven transcription for enhanced engagement. , integrated seamlessly with for effortless scheduling and joining, supports up to 100 participants in free sessions and offers real-time captions and noise cancellation for inclusive video chats. These tools prioritize reliability and ease of use across devices, reflecting sustained demand for . Open-source and niche platforms cater to specific communities, emphasizing customization and privacy. , popular among with approximately 230 million monthly active users as of mid-2025, provides voice channels, text servers, and screen sharing tailored for immersive group interactions. Signal stands out as a privacy-first option, employing for all messages, calls, and media, without or ads, appealing to users seeking secure alternatives. Emerging decentralized tools like integrate chat-like threaded conversations across federated servers, promoting user-controlled, open-source social networking without centralized oversight. Broader trends in software highlight mobile-first designs and cross-device , ensuring conversations persist seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, and computers. The live chat software market, which powers and , reached approximately $1.34 billion in 2025, driven by demand for integrated enhancements and scalable solutions. These developments continue to shape platforms that balance , , and .

Applications

Educational Uses

Online chat plays a pivotal role in distance learning by enabling real-time question-and-answer sessions within virtual classrooms, fostering immediate interaction between instructors and students. Tools such as Moodle's Chat Activity facilitate student collaboration, allowing learners to discuss concepts synchronously and build knowledge collectively during remote sessions. The pedagogical benefits of online chat include heightened student engagement through interactive dialogues and expanded access to global experts via international guest sessions or collaborative networks. Studies from and later indicate that synchronous discussions in online chats improve knowledge retention, with participants showing statistically significant gains in post-test scores. Implementation of online chat in education often involves integration into learning management systems (LMS) like , which supports chat plugins for seamless real-time communication, and for structured group interactions. Post-2020, hybrid learning models have normalized these tools, blending in-person and online elements to sustain collaborative environments in what has become the "new normal" for . In , challenges include the , which limits access for underserved students lacking reliable internet, and the need for training to effectively moderate chats. For instance, group projects in breakout rooms often face issues like uneven participation and technical glitches, requiring clear guidelines to ensure equitable involvement. As of 2025, emerging trends feature tutors embedded in interfaces, delivering by adapting responses to individual needs and pacing. Adoption statistics reveal that approximately 60% of educators have integrated tools into classrooms, with 72% of students reporting greater engagement through these -based systems, signaling widespread university uptake for tailored educational support.

Professional and Business Uses

Online chat serves as a vital tool for internal communication within organizations, enabling teams to coordinate efficiently through dedicated channels and real-time messaging. Platforms like facilitate agile workflows by integrating with tools, allowing asynchronous updates and threaded discussions that minimize disruptions and enhance across distributed teams. This approach reduces overload by centralizing conversations, with users reporting streamlined information flow and decreased context switching, which boosts overall productivity in fast-paced business environments. In , online chat widgets embedded on websites provide immediate assistance, with recognized as a market leader in for its AI-powered solutions. These systems incorporate chatbots capable of handling routine inquiries 24/7, offering personalized responses and seamless handoffs to human agents when needed, thereby ensuring continuous availability without increasing staffing costs. Businesses leverage online chat for applications, such as guiding prospects through funnels via platforms like , which automates lead qualification by collecting key data points during conversations and assigning qualified leads to teams. Integration with CRM systems further amplifies these capabilities, allowing agents to access comprehensive customer histories in , automate , and personalize interactions, which accelerates lead nurturing and improves efficiency. The adoption of online chat yields measurable benefits, including faster resolution times where AI enhancements can reduce them by up to 50% through automated troubleshooting and predictive support, particularly enabling dynamics solidified post-2020. Emerging trends include AI-driven in chats to detect customer emotions and proactively address issues, alongside rapid growth in integrations, such as with , where live chat boosts conversion rates by 8-20% and reduces cart abandonment.

Social and Entertainment Uses

Online chat serves as a primary medium for personal communication among family and friends, enabling seamless connections through platforms like groups. With over 3 billion monthly active users globally in 2025, facilitates more than 100 billion messages daily, where group chats—often used for family and friend interactions—account for 57.5% of all messages and include over 1 billion active groups. These groups allow users to share updates, photos, and coordinates in real-time, bridging geographical gaps and maintaining daily routines such as coordinating family events or casual check-ins. Features like voice notes further enhance emotional expressiveness; by conveying , , and , they foster deeper understanding and intimacy compared to text alone, with users reporting stronger social bonds through this auditory element. Beyond individual ties, plays a key role in by transforming traditional forums into dynamic, spaces. On , chat channels integrated into communities enable live discussions among members, complementing threaded posts with immediate engagement to strengthen group cohesion and shared interests. Similarly, platforms like leverage live chat during streams to facilitate fan interactions, where viewers exchange reactions, questions, and emotes in , cultivating a sense of belonging and direct connection with creators. These features have evolved forums from static archives into vibrant hubs, supporting niche communities around hobbies, support networks, and cultural discussions. In entertainment contexts, powers immersive leisure experiences, particularly in and environments. Discord servers function as central hubs for lobbies, where players organize matches, share strategies, and socialize in or text channels, with millions of users joining dedicated communities for titles like and . Launched in 2017, extends this to social chats, allowing avatars to interact in user-generated worlds; by 2020, it saw record concurrent users exceeding 24,000 amid pandemic-driven demand, emphasizing its role in playful, avatar-based socializing. These platforms blend chat with multimedia elements, turning into collaborative, community-driven activities. Culturally, online chat accelerates the spread of memes and viral trends, amplifying humor and collective expression within private and semi-public groups. Memes often originate or gain traction in group chats before proliferating across social networks, with 2025 data indicating their rapid dissemination via platforms like and , where a single share can reach millions in hours. Globally, individuals spend an average of about 38 minutes daily on messaging apps like for social interactions, contributing to broader cultural phenomena such as trend-sharing that shape online humor and discourse. The impacts of online chat in social and entertainment uses are profound, particularly in fostering relationships across distances and mobilizing . Research shows that frequent messaging in long-distance relationships correlates with higher satisfaction, as responsive chats provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. In social movements, chat tools have coordinated protests in the 2020s, such as during the 2020 demonstrations, where real-time group chats on platforms like Telegram and organized rallies, shared resources, and amplified calls to action. This dual role underscores chat's capacity to nurture personal bonds while enabling broader societal engagement.

Social and Ethical Considerations

Etiquette and Norms

Online chat , often referred to as "netiquette," encompasses a set of conventions designed to foster respectful and effective communication in digital environments. Core rules include avoiding the use of all capital letters, which is widely interpreted as shouting and can escalate tensions unnecessarily. Participants are encouraged to use clear, concise language to minimize misunderstandings, as text lacks nonverbal cues like or expressions. Respecting is paramount; users should not share screenshots or personal details from private conversations without explicit consent, as this can violate trust and lead to unintended exposure. Norms vary by context to suit the purpose of the interaction. In professional settings, such as workplace tools like or , etiquette emphasizes brevity, staying on-topic, and professional language without slang or excessive emojis to maintain focus and credibility. Social chats, often on platforms like or , allow for more casual expression, where emojis help convey tone and emotion—such as using a thumbs-up for agreement—but overuse can clutter messages. In group chats, threading replies to specific messages prevents spam-like floods, ensuring discussions remain organized and inclusive for all members. The evolution of these norms traces back to the 1990s, when and early internet forums prompted the development of foundational guidelines in documents like RFC 1855, which outlined principles for networked communications including politeness and avoiding flame wars. By 2025, these have adapted to modern apps; for instance, Discord's community guidelines stress no and promote positive interactions through features like server rules tailored to diverse user bases. Cultural variations influence how is applied, particularly in emojis and multilingual environments. Emojis can carry region-specific meanings—for example, the thumbs-up gesture signifies approval in Western cultures but may be offensive in parts of the —requiring awareness to avoid miscommunication. In multilingual chats, users should prioritize simple phrasing and avoid idioms that do not translate well, fostering clarity across languages. Enforcement of these norms relies on moderation tools such as automated filters for toxic language and manual bans by administrators, which help maintain safe spaces. Promoting inclusivity involves actively avoiding ableist language, like terms such as "crazy" or "lame" that demean disabilities, to ensure all participants feel welcome regardless of background.

Societal Impacts and Criticisms

Online chat has profoundly enhanced global connectivity, enabling individuals from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to engage in real-time interactions that foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Platforms such as apps and chats have democratized access to international dialogues, allowing users to participate in global discussions without physical barriers. A key positive impact lies in the creation of support networks, particularly for , where anonymous online chats provide accessible emotional outlets for users facing or . Services like text lines and forums have empowered vulnerable populations to seek help instantaneously, reducing and offering immediate validation from global communities. In activism, online chat has played a pivotal role in coordinating movements, as seen in the #MeToo campaign, where private and public chats amplified survivor stories, mobilized , and pressured institutions for accountability worldwide. Criticisms of online chat often center on its contribution to language degradation, with the widespread use of abbreviations and in teen communications leading to concerns over diminished skills. Some studies from the 2010s suggested correlations between frequent texting and reduced spelling accuracy or syntactic complexity in , though evidence on long-term impacts remains mixed. Additionally, excessive associated with online chatting has been linked to , as prolonged digital interactions may displace face-to-face engagements, exacerbating feelings of disconnection despite apparent connectivity. Psychologically, online chat exacerbates issues like , with 41% of young people aged 18-29 reporting experiences of severe through digital messages and group chats. This form of , often and persistent, contributes to heightened anxiety and among youth. Furthermore, to online chatting is prevalent, with teenagers averaging 4.8 hours daily on platforms that include chat features, leading to disrupted and diminished real-world relationships. Culturally, online chat has normalized digital-first relationships, where initial connections and even romantic developments occur predominantly through text-based exchanges, reshaping traditional norms among younger generations. This shift emphasizes asynchronous communication but can dilute emotional depth in interactions. dynamics in mixed chats reveal imbalances, with women often facing disproportionate or pressure to initiate conversations in designed "empowering" platforms, challenging claims of equitable power redistribution. Research underscores these impacts; for instance, a 2021 study by Sarkar et al. examined distractions in video chats, finding that parallel text chats during meetings often lead to cognitive overload and reduced participation equity. Complementing this, analyses such as a 2020 have explored online chats' role in forming echo chambers, where algorithmic curation reinforces polarized views and limits exposure to diverse perspectives, amplifying societal divisions.

Limitations and Privacy Issues

Online chat systems face several technical limitations that can hinder effective communication, particularly in diverse global settings. Latency, the delay in message transmission, becomes pronounced in conversations due to varying conditions and can exceed 150 milliseconds in cross-continental exchanges, which disrupts interaction and mimics in-person that frustrate users. Bandwidth disparities further exacerbate these issues, as users in regions with limited experience slower loading of media-rich chats compared to high-bandwidth environments; this gap is particularly acute in low-income areas. In large group chats, discussions often become disjointed, with participants struggling to track threads amid rapid message volumes, leading to overlooked contributions and reduced productivity. Accessibility challenges compound these technical barriers, limiting participation for users with disabilities and those in underserved regions. Many online chat platforms, especially those incorporating video, lack built-in real-time captions or compatibility, excluding deaf or visually impaired individuals from full engagement. The amplifies this in developing regions, where over 2.6 billion people lack reliable as of 2024, disproportionately affecting those with disabilities and preventing equitable use of chat services. Privacy concerns in online chat revolve around extensive data collection practices by platforms, including metadata tracking of user interactions such as timestamps, IP addresses, and contact lists, which can reveal behavioral patterns without explicit consent. High-profile breaches underscore these risks; for example, a 2025 zero-day vulnerability in WhatsApp (CVE-2025-55177) allowed unauthorized access to linked devices, affecting millions and exposing chat histories. Security risks persist despite advancements, with phishing attacks embedded in chats rising 3.3% in early 2025, often masquerading as legitimate messages to steal credentials. By 2025, videos have emerged as a potent threat in video chats, enabling scammers to impersonate contacts in calls, contributing to financial losses exceeding $200 million in the first quarter alone. Regulations like the EU's (GDPR), enacted in 2018, and California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) have influenced chat platforms by mandating consent for data processing and opt-out rights, reducing unauthorized tracking by approximately 15% in compliant apps. Mitigations include widespread adoption of end-to-end (E2E) encryption in major chat applications, with platforms like and Signal implementing it by default for all communications as of 2025, protecting message contents from interception. User education on two-factor authentication (2FA) further bolsters security, as enabling it across accounts prevents over 99% of automated bot attacks in messaging scenarios.

References

  1. [1]
    What is a chat room? – TechTarget Definition
    Jan 30, 2023 · A chat room is an online platform that enables users to communicate with each other in real time. Chat rooms are typically hosted on a server with an internet ...
  2. [2]
    PLATO Impacts - Illinois Distributed Museum
    Talkomatic, 1973 – a precursor to chat rooms. Plato Notes forums were used to start group conversations. This was created by Doug Brown. Term-talk, 1973 – a ...
  3. [3]
    [PDF] Online Game Communities are social in nature. - SJSU ScholarWorks
    May 15, 2001 · Due to the release of this software, "Talkomatic", precursor to IRC with handles and chat rooms, was developed for PLATO. A maximum of five ...
  4. [4]
    Chat Systems - CS Stanford
    Created in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen at the University of Oulu in Finland [11], Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is another client-server chat system. Each IRC server, ...
  5. [5]
    Internet Relay Chat..chat..chat..
    The history of IRC goes back to 1988 in Finland, the father of IRC is Jarkko Oikarinen. IRC gained international fame during the 1991 Persian Gulf War ...
  6. [6]
    [PDF] Instant Messaging: Functions of a New Communicative Tool
    Instant Messenger: The Future of Communication​​ In the language realm, this technology has taken us from face-to-face communication and letter writing, to ...
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Synchronous Tools for Interaction and Collaboration - ScholarWorks
    The history of distance education in many ways is a history about the evolution of synchronous and asynchronous communication technologies. Distance educa- tion ...
  8. [8]
    https://doi.org/10.30574/gjeta.2023.17.2.0227
  9. [9]
    Sage Reference - Encyclopedia of New Media - Chat
    In computing parlance, chat refers to a form of communication in which users type text to one another in synchronous or real-time fashion.
  10. [10]
    (PDF) Online Chat - Academia.edu
    Online chat communication is realized when users jointly access networked and avail-able servers to send messages privately or publicly electronically by way ...
  11. [11]
    Online Communication - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
    Online communication refers to the exchange of information through digital platforms, enabling individuals to interact regardless of time or location, although ...Teaching With Technology... · First Generation Internet... · Interaction Between Users
  12. [12]
    Interactivity in Online Chat: Conversational Contingency and ...
    This research incorporates aspects of interactivity to the social information processing (SIP) theory of computer-mediated communication.
  13. [13]
    The ultimate live chat features list [2025] - Ably Realtime
    1. Low latency message sending and receiving · 2. Automatic reconnection · 3. Channels and private messages · 4. Online status · 5. Typing indicators · 6. Read ...features to make your live chat... · Online status · Push notifications · Authentication
  14. [14]
    Synchronous vs Asynchronous Communication: Helpful Examples
    Nov 17, 2022 · This guide explores the intricacies of sync vs. async communication, helps you decide which is the best for your workflow, and introduces how screen recording ...
  15. [15]
    Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication: What to Use When
    Oct 10, 2025 · Synchronous communication most often happens in person, but it can take place even when the conversation participants aren't in the same place.
  16. [16]
    Understanding the Architecture & System Design of a Chat Application
    Jun 14, 2021 · Components of Chat Application Infrastructure · Chat Client · Chat Server · Chat Rest API · WebSocket Server · Media Storage · Build a feature-rich ...
  17. [17]
    History of Online Chat: 1970 - 2025 - Arena
    May 30, 2025 · In this quick guide to the history of online chat, you'll explore how real-time communication tools have evolved over the decades to shape the way we connect ...Missing: credible | Show results with:credible
  18. [18]
    Ray Ozzie's New Talkomatic? - PLATO History
    Dec 3, 2012 · PLATO's Talkomatic, also known as Talko, was the world's first chat room app, which Doug Brown and Dave Woolley wrote back in 1973 on the PLATO system.
  19. [19]
    PLATO - IRC History, Notes, Talomatic, David Woolley, Internet ...
    In the fall of 1973, Doug Brown wrote a basic program called Talkomatic to support chat among users on PLATO. The screen was divided into several horizontal ...
  20. [20]
    Compuserve Introduces Real-Time Online Chat with its CB Simulator
    Compuserve offered real-time chat online with its CB simulator, the first dedicated online chat service widely available to the public.
  21. [21]
    The history of live chat software - WhosOn
    two PLATO system programmers — expanded on this idea. Doug came up with the idea of a program that would allow group ...
  22. [22]
    History of IRC (Internet Relay Chat) - Daniel Stenberg
    IRC was born during summer 1988 when Jarkko "WiZ" Oikarinen wrote the first IRC client and server at the University of Oulu, Finland.The Beginning · Efnet · Dalnet
  23. [23]
    Internet Relay Chat (IRC) History - How Invented, Jarkko Oikarinen
    He called the resulting program IRC, and first deployed it at the end of August, 1988. When IRC first started regularly hosting users, Oikarinen asked some ...
  24. [24]
    RIP ICQ: Remembering a classic messaging app that was way ...
    May 29, 2024 · ICQ was something of an accident, as popular as it became. Created by four Israeli computer geeks, it wasn't even meant to be the original idea.
  25. [25]
    As ICQ logs off for good, a look back at popular instant messaging ...
    Jun 29, 2024 · With its name derived from the phrase “I seek you”, ICQ was launched in November 1996 by an Israeli company called Mirabilis. ICQ preceded ...
  26. [26]
    How AOL Instant Messenger Works - Computer | HowStuffWorks
    Apr 30, 2024 · AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) was one of the most popular IM programs. It's also one of the oldest. The first version of AIM was released in 1997, ...
  27. [27]
    In the 25 Years Since Its Launch, AOL Instant Messenger Has Never ...
    May 16, 2022 · AOL Instant Messenger AIM users could log on and instantly ping messages back and forth, remotely chatting with friends, colleagues and loved ones.
  28. [28]
    How Meebo Works - Computer | HowStuffWorks
    Compared to IM services like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and Yahoo Messenger, Meebo is just a kid, having launched in 2005. And Meebo lacks the breadth of ...
  29. [29]
    Instant Messaging Site Meebo Adds Facebook Chat
    Feb 5, 2009 · Since 2005, the Mountain View, Calif., company has let people log into multiple messaging systems at the same time from within a Web browser.<|control11|><|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Announcement: Facebook Launches Facebook Chat
    Apr 6, 2008 · Announcement: Facebook Launches Facebook Chat. April 6, 2008 November 7, 2019 ... This week, Facebook is rolling out Facebook Chat, a new way ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  31. [31]
    Broadband use tops dial-up in U.S. homes - NBC News
    Dec 21, 2004 · As prices dropped over the past year, broadband use at home has surpassed that of dial-up in the United States, reaching 53 percent of ...
  32. [32]
    The Broadband Difference: How online behavior changes with high ...
    Jun 23, 2002 · Broadband users spend more time online, do more things, and do them more often than dial-up Internet users.
  33. [33]
    WhatsApp: The inside story | WIRED
    Feb 19, 2014 · The first release, in May 2009, went nowhere. But a month later, Apple introduced push notifications in iOS 3.0. That led Koum to rethink ...
  34. [34]
    About Us - WhatsApp.com
    WhatsApp was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton who had previously spent 20 years combined at Yahoo. WhatsApp joined Facebook in 2014, but continues to operate ...
  35. [35]
    Snapchat IPO: An Abridged History of Snap Inc. | Fortune
    Feb 4, 2017 · If you can believe it, it took Snapchat three years from its 2011 founding to actually launch a feature called "Chat." Instead of transmitting ...
  36. [36]
    About Discord | Our Mission and Story
    Discord starts powering the in-game text and voice chat of games directly, with two games being the first to support Discord chat: Pax Dei and Omega Strikers.
  37. [37]
    Discord – how the community platform works - DMEXCO
    Jun 24, 2022 · Launch of Discord as a chat forum for gamers. Discord was launched in 2015 and quickly became a popular chat platform for gamers, who still ...
  38. [38]
    Zoom's massive 'overnight success' actually took nine years - CNN
    Mar 27, 2020 · Zoom is far from the only video chat app experiencing rapid growth. On Monday, Skype for iPhone had more than 500,000 downloads in one day ...
  39. [39]
    https://www.statista.com/statistics/1253972/zoom-daily-meeting-participants-global/
  40. [40]
    https://www.statista.com/statistics/258749/most-popular-global-mobile-messenger-apps/
  41. [41]
    Overview of AI in Microsoft Teams for IT admins
    Sep 18, 2025 · Today, this catalog includes a powerful, personal AI assistant called Copilot in Teams and task-tailored agents like Facilitator and Channel ...Missing: enhancements | Show results with:enhancements
  42. [42]
    Human-centered AI | Microsoft Copilot Blog
    Oct 23, 2025 · Today, we're dropping the Copilot Fall Release, a big step forward in making AI more personal, useful, and human-centered.Missing: enhancements 2023
  43. [43]
    An Overview of XMPP | XMPP - The universal messaging standard
    XMPP is the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol, a set of open technologies for instant messaging, presence, multi-party chat, voice and video calls.Jingle · Multi-User-Chat (muc) · Pubsub
  44. [44]
    RFC 1459 - Internet Relay Chat Protocol - IETF Datatracker
    The IRC protocol is a text-based protocol, with the simplest client being any socket program capable of connecting to the server.
  45. [45]
    [PDF] An Examination of High School and College Students' Chatspeak ...
    May 1, 2014 · The last variable this study examines is the usage of the abbreviations lol and haha. Both commonly denote laughter; although both lol and haha ...
  46. [46]
    https://core.telegram.org/api/end-to-end
  47. [47]
    [PDF] y do tngrs luv 2 txt msg?
    We argue that the teenagers have overcome potential technical limitations of SMS, such as poor input device and limited message length, and even turned them ...
  48. [48]
    Analyzing Miscommunication and Preferences in Face-to-Face vs ...
    Apr 30, 2024 · Central to our inquiry is exploring how college students adeptly navigate misunderstandings and mend communication breakdowns within their text- ...
  49. [49]
    RCS - Rich Communication Services - GSMA
    RCS, or Rich Communication Services, modernizes SMS with features like group chats, file sharing, and read receipts, aiming for a more interactive experience.Universal Profile · RCS Market · The RCS Ecosystem · RCS ResourcesMissing: text | Show results with:text
  50. [50]
    What is VoIP? - Webex
    The most advanced VoIP solutions support the full array of communication: instant messaging, group chats, file sharing, screen sharing, and breakout sessions.
  51. [51]
    What is VoIP and how does it work? - Zoom
    Jul 16, 2024 · VoIP allows you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. Read on to learn more.
  52. [52]
    The CU-SeeMe Project - Packetizer
    When development of CU-SeeMe began in July 1992, the only real-time videoconferencing software for the Internet required expensive hardware which severely ...
  53. [53]
    Apple Brings FaceTime to the Mac
    Oct 20, 2010 · MARKHAM, Ontario—October 20, 2010—Apple® today announced the public beta of FaceTime® for Mac®, an entirely new application that allows Mac ...
  54. [54]
    Google Meet - Innovation for Change
    After being invite-only and quietly releasing an iOS app[3] in February 2017, Google formally launched Meet in March 2017.[4] The service was unveiled as a ...
  55. [55]
    What is Video Bandwidth ? 720p, 1080p, GB Transfer Explained
    Jul 10, 2025 · As recommended by Netflix, Standard definition (SD) requires 3 Mbps, High definition (HD) 5 Mbps and 4K/Ultra HD at least 25 Mbps. You can set ...
  56. [56]
    The History and Evolution of Video Conferencing - TechTarget
    Aug 17, 2021 · Also in early 1990s, a Cornell student wrote a program called CU-SeeMe. This became the first desktop video conferencing platform. It was ...
  57. [57]
    Snap AR: Build and Share Augmented Reality for Snapchat
    Create augmented reality for utility, entertainment, shopping, self-expression, games, education, and more with Snap AR. Reach millions with Lenses on ...
  58. [58]
    Snapchat Lenses Explained: The Technology of Real-Time AR
    Sep 18, 2025 · Snapchat Lenses go beyond fun visuals by integrating AR technology with computer vision and artificial intelligence. These innovations allow ...
  59. [59]
    Latency vs Bandwidth Explained: How They Impact Video Calls
    May 16, 2023 · In this article, we break down latency vs bandwidth, explore how they affect video conferencing, and explain what a good latency speed looks like for optimal ...
  60. [60]
    Common Video Conferencing Problems: Network Issues
    Jul 14, 2023 · Common network issues include low bandwidth, latency, packet loss, network congestion, jitter, and firewall restrictions, which can cause poor  ...
  61. [61]
    The digital body language cues you send – or don't send - BBC
    Jun 23, 2021 · “Research shows that roughly 60% to 80% of our face-to-face communication is non-verbal language, such as the pacing, pauses, gestures and tone.<|control11|><|separator|>
  62. [62]
    Opus Codec
    Opus is a royalty-free, versatile audio codec for interactive speech and music, used in applications like VoIP and videoconferencing, scaling from low to high ...Comparison · Downloads · Opus documentation · Opus examples
  63. [63]
    Introducing apps in ChatGPT and the new Apps SDK - OpenAI
    Oct 6, 2025 · Apps respond to natural language and include interactive interfaces you can use right in the chat. For ChatGPT users, apps meet you in the chat ...
  64. [64]
    Introducing ChatGPT - OpenAI
    Nov 30, 2022 · ChatGPT is a conversational model that can answer follow-up questions, admit mistakes, and challenge incorrect premises. It is fine-tuned from ...Introducing ChatGPT search · Aligning language models · Introducing ChatGPT ProMissing: driven integrations natural
  65. [65]
    Latest ChatGPT Users Stats 2025 (Growth & Usage Report)
    Oct 7, 2025 · Additionally, ChatGPT MAU (Monthly visits) hit 5.8 billion visits in September 2025, showing a 7.606% increase from the previous 5.39 billion.
  66. [66]
    The Voice Chat Software In Fortnite Switch Is Now Available For All ...
    Feb 5, 2019 · In June 2018, Fortnite launched on the Switch with normal, in-game voice chat, raising the question of why other games couldn't do something ...
  67. [67]
    The Future of Communication in the Metaverse - Roblox
    Sep 2, 2021 · With Spatial Voice, Roblox creators will begin to test developing experiences where conversations can happen in a realistic way, mirroring how ...
  68. [68]
    Introducing ReverbAPI | Super immersive audio for all! | Roblox
    Apr 22, 2025 · ReverbAPI is a real-time reverb system using AudioAPI, reacting to the environment, with voice chat support, and uses a Fibonacci sphere ...
  69. [69]
    Disappearing messages for Signal
    Oct 11, 2016 · The disappearing timer values range from five seconds to one week, giving you a range of options for ephemeral message history.Missing: self- 2014
  70. [70]
    How Web3 is Transforming Chat and Messaging Features in 2024
    Jun 27, 2024 · Blockchain Interoperability: Web3 Protocols like Polkadot and Cosmos facilitate seamless communication between different blockchain networks.
  71. [71]
    Building a Blockchain-Based Messaging Application on Ethereum
    Jan 25, 2024 · In this guide, we'll walk through the process of building a blockchain-based messaging application on the Ethereum network.Missing: protocols | Show results with:protocols
  72. [72]
    15 milestones, moments and more for Google Docs' 15th birthday
    Oct 11, 2021 · Officially launched to the world in 2006, Google Docs is a core part of Google Workspace. It's also, as of today, 15 years old. But it wasn't ...
  73. [73]
    What's different about the new Google Docs: Working together, even ...
    Sep 21, 2010 · Tomorrow's post will describe how Google Docs uses an algorithm called operational transformation to merge edits in real time. Finally, on ...
  74. [74]
    Top 10 VR Trends of 2025: Future of Virtual Reality - HQSoftware
    Rating 4.9 (22) Oct 1, 2025 · Social VR. The rise of social VR platforms, such as VRChat and AltspaceVR, has enabled users to connect in shared virtual spaces, fostering ...
  75. [75]
    Haptic Feedback Defined: Types, Benefits & Uses - BairesDev
    May 10, 2024 · Haptic Feedback for Accessibility · Customizable vibration patterns and intensities signal different actions or notifications · Enables users with ...Missing: online | Show results with:online
  76. [76]
    Haptics | Meta Horizon OS Developers
    Sep 19, 2025 · For example, aim to pair softer sounds with softer haptic feedback to maintain coherence. Ensure timely playback, to establish a clear causal ...Missing: online chat
  77. [77]
    The AI 'Big Bang' Study 2025: Best AI Chatbots and Insights
    Aug 8, 2025 · The study found top 10 chatbots captured 58.8% of AI traffic, with ChatGPT dominating at 48.36%. Top 10 had 55.88 billion visits, a 123.35% YoY ...
  78. [78]
    https://onelittleweb.com/data-studies/best-ai-chatbots/
  79. [79]
    Asynchronous communication: benefits, examples, and tips - Slack
    Asynchronous communication empowers employees to contribute on their own schedule, helping reduce meeting overload, support focus time, and improve overall ...
  80. [80]
    Asynchronous vs Synchronous Messaging Explained - Quiq
    Jun 14, 2024 · Synchronous messaging happens in real time, requires both parties to be present, and is best for urgent issues, quick answers, ...Missing: modes | Show results with:modes
  81. [81]
    The Best Remote Team Communication Software for 2024-2025
    Asynchronous tools (e.g., Slack, Loom) allow team members to communicate without needing to respond in real time, which is ideal for global teams across time ...
  82. [82]
    Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Communication - Panopto
    Jul 15, 2022 · Synchronous communications are two-way communications in which participants can converse with each other in real-time.
  83. [83]
    In-person, Online and Back Again - A Tale of Three Hybrid Hackathons
    Aug 10, 2025 · (Gama et al., 2023) also mention using technologies such as Slack or Discord to foster synchronous and asynchronous communication, but they do ...
  84. [84]
    https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Pueblo_Community_College/Interpersonal_Communication_-_A_Mindful_Approach_to_Relationships_%28Wrench_et_al.%29/12%253A_Interpersonal_Communication_in_Mediated_Contexts/12.01%253A_Technology_and_Communication
  85. [85]
    12.1: Technology and Communication - Social Sci LibreTexts
    Aug 6, 2021 · The first synchronous mode of communication was the chatroom. In 1988, Jarkko “WiZ” Oikarinen wrote the code for the first Internet Relay Chat ( ...
  86. [86]
    Synchronous communication vs asynchronous ... - Owl Labs Blog
    Apr 1, 2025 · Synchronous communication is any communication that happens in real-time between two or more people, with the expectation of receiving an immediate response.What Is Synchronous... · Synchronous Communication... · What Is Asynchronous...Missing: online | Show results with:online
  87. [87]
    Pros and Cons of Asynchronous Messaging vs. Synchronous ...
    Oct 5, 2023 · Asynchronous messaging can provide a better experience than synchronous messaging when the issues being discussed are complex.
  88. [88]
    The Evolution of Asynchronous Communication - Zight
    Aug 10, 2022 · Asynchronous communication is now used to closely replicate the feeling of synchronous conversation. But that's not what we're proposing it should be used for.
  89. [89]
    [PDF] A New Instant Messaging Standard and Its Impact on Internet Business
    We have been engaged in standardization for instant messaging at the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to make an open and secure standard called IMPP. AOL ...
  90. [90]
    [PDF] The Evolution of Instant Messaging - GIAC Certifications
    Aug 22, 2002 · The world of Instant Messaging (IM) has evolved from its early origins as a vehicle for real-time interpersonal communication, in particular ...
  91. [91]
    XMPP RFCs | XMPP - The universal messaging standard
    This memo defines the core features of the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), a protocol for streaming Extensible Markup Language (XML) ...
  92. [92]
    The State of OAuth 2025 - Aaron Parecki
    Jun 4, 2025 · The upcoming release of OAuth 2.1 promises to bring improved security by default and enhanced user experiences for applications and APIs.
  93. [93]
    Signal strengthens encryption against future quantum computers
    Oct 3, 2025 · In 2023, Signal introduced the PQXDH upgrade as the first post-quantum update, providing better protection for chats against future quantum ...
  94. [94]
    Growing Adoption of RCS Messaging in the U.S. Following iPhone ...
    May 19, 2025 · A significant factor influencing the widespread adoption of RCS in the U.S. has been Apple's integration of the standard into its Messages app ...
  95. [95]
    https://analyzify.com/statsup/telegram
  96. [96]
    WhatsApp Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025) - Business of Apps
    Oct 9, 2025 · WhatsApp is one of the most used apps in the world and the most popular messaging app in over 100 countries. It reached 2.9 billion active users ...
  97. [97]
    Telegram Users Statistics 2025 [Latest Worldwide Data]
    Aug 13, 2025 · Telegram has 1 billion monthly active users in 2025, showing a sharp rise from 950 million in July 2024. Every day, the number grows as 2.5 ...
  98. [98]
    Latest Telegram Statistics (2025) | StatsUp - Analyzify
    Apr 7, 2025 · Telegram had 450 million daily active users in 2024—half of its user base at the time—and surpassed 1 billion monthly active users by 2025.
  99. [99]
    Slack vs. Teams: Which is best? [2025] - Zapier
    May 20, 2025 · The Teams AI is three times the cost of Slack's AI, but Copilot can do a lot more—and it can be used across Microsoft's entire suite of products ...
  100. [100]
    https://zapier.com/blog/google-meet-vs-zoom/
  101. [101]
    How AI is Transforming Microsoft Teams in 2025 - TTMS
    Apr 15, 2025 · By 2025, the platform has significantly advanced through deep integration with artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing communication, meeting efficiency, and ...
  102. [102]
    The 7 best video conferencing software in 2025 - Zoom
    Aug 28, 2025 · Key features · AI-first transcription, summaries, and insights · Breakout rooms · Robust calendar integration · Advanced security · Collaborative ...Missing: daily | Show results with:daily<|separator|>
  103. [103]
    Google Meet vs. Zoom: Which is better? [2025] - Zapier
    Jan 29, 2025 · What's not different between Google Meet and Zoom · Both paid and free plans · Chat, breakout room, poll, and built-in whiteboard features.
  104. [104]
    Google Meet vs. Zoom (2025 Comparison) - Forbes
    Jun 16, 2025 · Google Meet is cheaper, easier to use and has a better free plan; on the other hand, Zoom has better engagement features and AI tools.
  105. [105]
    23 Leading Social Media Platforms For 2025 (Ranked By Monthly ...
    May 19, 2025 · In this post, I'll be sharing the 22 most popular social media platforms in the world. Ranked according to the number of monthly active users.
  106. [106]
    How Signal, WhatsApp, Apple, and Google Handle Encrypted Chat ...
    May 9, 2025 · Encrypted chat apps like Signal and WhatsApp are one of the best ways to keep your digital conversations as private as possible.
  107. [107]
    https://moodle.com/functionality-with-moodle/moodle-and-communications/
  108. [108]
    Live Chat Software Market 2025 - Industry Trends And Insights 2034
    The live chat software market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.21 billion in 2024 to $1.34 billion in 2025 at a compound annual ...
  109. [109]
    25 Live Chat Statistics and Trends - Nextiva
    Jun 18, 2025 · The live chat market is expected to hit $1.7 billion by 2030. That kind of growth doesn't happen without results. As more businesses see ...
  110. [110]
    Moodle and communications
    Another valuable feature of Moodle is the Chat Activity. It's an engaging tool that enables collaboration and learning. This feature lets Moodle course ...
  111. [111]
    Top 5 use cases for Online Chat in e-learning platforms - AtomChat
    May 23, 2023 · The chat feature available on online learning platforms, like LMS, is highly successful in easing communication between learners and educators.
  112. [112]
    The Top 10 Benefits of Online Learning Communities
    Online learning communities offer easy participation, global perspectives, diverse classmates, a strong sense of community, and the latest technology.
  113. [113]
    The evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous online learning
    Mar 22, 2024 · Both synchronous and asynchronous online teaching methods demonstrated improvements in learning outcomes and high levels of student satisfaction.
  114. [114]
    In-Person or Virtual Training?: Comparing the Effectiveness of ...
    Jan 31, 2022 · Results indicate that in-person participants had statistically significantly higher gains in knowledge at posttest compared to the participants ...
  115. [115]
    (PDF) Hybrid Learning Using Canvas LMS - ResearchGate
    Aug 6, 2025 · Hybrid learning refers to the learning style where online components are used to replace some face-to-face elements of the course.
  116. [116]
    Exploring an Innovative Approach to Enhance Discussion Board ...
    Apr 24, 2023 · Online discussion boards are a standard instructional tool within learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, and ...
  117. [117]
    [PDF] Exploring Moodle Usage in Higher Education in the Post-pandemic ...
    LMS platforms offer diverse features such as content management, collaboration tools, and assessment capabilities, which have supported the delivery of online ...
  118. [118]
    Online group projects in higher education: persistent challenges and ...
    Mar 24, 2023 · Key challenges were: low and uneven participation by students; a lack of clarity and preparation for students; and poor relationships.
  119. [119]
    Overcoming Online Learning Challenges with Video Conferencing ...
    Feb 26, 2025 · A major drawback of remote learning is the loss of natural classroom interaction. In traditional settings, students can engage in spontaneous ...
  120. [120]
    Facilitators and barriers to online group work in higher education ...
    Apr 12, 2024 · Challenges with group communication, scheduling synchronous meetings and technical issues were identified as barriers. Our findings supported ...
  121. [121]
    AI in Education Statistics 2025 - Growth, Adoption & Impact
    60% of the educators have adopted AI in classrooms, while 44% of the teachers use AI for research. However, adopting AI has also led to increased concern among ...
  122. [122]
    AI in Education: Current Statistics and Trends for 2025 - Litslink
    Sep 23, 2025 · 72% of students report being more engaged with AI tutors, 68% of teachers say that automating grading makes their jobs less stressful, and 60% ...
  123. [123]
    AI Tutors in Higher Education: The Complete Institutional Guide (2025)
    Oct 10, 2025 · This guide will walk you through 10 sections, unpacking what it takes to adopt AI tutor solutions that truly support learning - securely, ...
  124. [124]
    Internal Communication in Business: Definition, Benefits, and ... - Slack
    Internal communication tools like Slack help companies stay connected, support real-time collaboration, organized messaging, and async updates that reduce ...
  125. [125]
    Zendesk Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant ...
    Oct 27, 2025 · Zendesk, the global leader in AI-powered service, has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for the CRM Customer Engagement ...
  126. [126]
    Generating leads with Intercom | Intercom Help
    Automatically qualify your leads · Assign leads to the right team · Manually qualify your leads as you chat · Nurture your leads faster by sharing apps · Track and ...Automatically qualify your leads · Target your ongoing...
  127. [127]
    The Importance of Integrating Live Chat with Your CRM software
    Sep 27, 2024 · Integrate live chat with your CRM to provide better customer experience, improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.
  128. [128]
    61 AI Customer Service Statistics in 2025 - Desk365
    Apr 1, 2025 · Reduction in resolution time: AI-powered tools can reduce resolution times by up to 50% through automation and predictive support. (Sobot).Missing: live | Show results with:live
  129. [129]
    AI Sentiment Analysis: How to Better Understand Customers in 2025
    Mar 25, 2025 · AI sentiment analysis helps businesses decode customer emotions from reviews, social media, and more to help you build your brand online.
  130. [130]
    Benefits of Live Chat for Ecommerce (2025) - Social Intents
    Oct 16, 2025 · Learn the real benefits of live chat for ecommerce: faster conversions, 24/7 AI support, lower costs, and happier customers.
  131. [131]
    Latest WhatsApp Statistics: Key Facts & Data (Updated in 2025)
    Mar 17, 2025 · 57.82% of WhatsApp messages get a reply within a minute. Group chats are also a key part of WhatsApp statistics: they account for 57.5% of all ...
  132. [132]
    100 WhatsApp Statistics And Fact - Thunderbit
    Jun 6, 2025 · Group Chats: 1+ billion group chats exist, from family threads to massive alumni groups. Average Time Spent: 38 minutes per day per user; in ...Whatsapp By The Numbers... · How Many People Use Whatsapp... · Whatsapp Usage Patterns: How...
  133. [133]
    Why all your friends are sending you voice notes - Vox
    Apr 3, 2023 · Voice memos are popular because they allow people to share the richness that comes with voice communication, like tone, mood, and humor.
  134. [134]
    Why Voice Notes Are a Small Act of Love - Time Magazine
    Feb 11, 2025 · When we hear someone's voice, we get a better understanding of their emotional state, she says. ... voice can create understanding or connection.
  135. [135]
    Chat Channels - Reddit for Community
    Chat channels are spaces within Reddit communities where redditors can engage in real-time conversations. Think of it as a companion platform to help ...
  136. [136]
    Twitch.tv | About
    Twitch is where millions of people come together live every day to chat, interact, and make their own entertainment together.
  137. [137]
    Top 7 Discord Servers for Gamers and Content Creators - Voicemod
    Best Discord servers for gamers · 1. Genshin Impact Official · 2. The Official Fortnite Discord Server · 3. Roblox Discord Server · 4. Healthy Gamer Community.<|separator|>
  138. [138]
    Social VR App VRChat is Seeing Record Usage Amidst the Pandemic
    Apr 22, 2020 · Since July 2019, VRChat has steadily grown from 7,600 concurrent users on Steam to more than 12,000 at the end of February 2020. But there was ...
  139. [139]
    21 Meme Statistics That Will Blow Your Mind and Your Readers
    Jul 31, 2025 · Memes have taken over the internet, spreading like wildfire across social media, group chats, and even corporate marketing campaigns.Missing: via | Show results with:via
  140. [140]
    The Fast Science of Going Viral: How Memes Take Over the Internet
    Aug 8, 2025 · In 2025, a meme can start on one Discord server and hit millions of feeds in less than 24 hours. A single TikTok audio clip can inspire ...Missing: via | Show results with:via
  141. [141]
    Long-distance texting: Text messaging is linked with higher ...
    More frequent and responsive texting predicted significantly greater relationship satisfaction among participants in LDRs, but not GCRs.
  142. [142]
    How Social Media Has Changed Civil Rights Protests
    Jun 18, 2020 · Social media radically simplified organizing and coordinating large groups. The downside is there isn't a deep well of trust among demonstrators.
  143. [143]
    How Instagram facilitated the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests - PMC
    Dec 7, 2022 · We present and analyze a database of 1.13 million public Instagram posts during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, which erupted in response to George ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
  144. [144]
    RFC 1855 Netiquette Guidelines - IETF
    Be sure you haven't set up forwarding on several hosts so that a message sent to you gets into an endless loop from one computer to the next to the next.
  145. [145]
    Netiquette: Ground Rules for Online Discussions
    Netiquette includes participating, being brief, using proper writing, citing sources, avoiding emoticons, respecting diversity, and no yelling or flaming.
  146. [146]
    10 Basic Netiquette Rules - Verywell Mind
    Jun 28, 2023 · Respect People's Privacy ... Don't forward information sent to you without checking with the original sender first; doing this behind their back ...
  147. [147]
    Your guide to chat etiquette in the workplace - Microsoft
    Jun 17, 2021 · Tag (also known as @mention) group members when you need a response. · Tag new members to welcome them to the group. · Keep messages short and ...
  148. [148]
    ​​How to professionally communicate with emojis at work - Front
    Apr 17, 2020 · Here we'll dive into the best practices for using emojis professionally at work, when to steer clear of them, and why emojis can help you communicate more ...
  149. [149]
    Chat Moderation 101 - GetStream.io
    Aug 6, 2025 · Chat moderation is the process of reviewing and regulating user-generated messages to ensure they don't contain harmful, inappropriate, or ...
  150. [150]
    Discord Community Guidelines
    Aug 29, 2025 · Respect Each Other · 1. Do not promote, coordinate, or engage in harassment. · 2. Do not threaten to harm another individual or group of people.Sexual Content Policy Explainer · Violence and Graphic Content
  151. [151]
    International Emoji Use and Meaning | LEaF Translations
    Jun 26, 2023 · Two essential criteria for localising cross-cultural content with emojis · 1. Device and keyboard choice · 2. Cultural norms and expectations.
  152. [152]
    Multilingual Email Etiquette Checklist for Professionals - BeLikeNative
    Mar 5, 2025 · 1. Check for Cultural Sensitivity Ensure your message is respectful and aligns with professional standards, avoiding any potentially offensive ...
  153. [153]
    9 Effective Chat moderation best practices - CometChat
    1. Establish Clear Guidelines · 2. Use Automated Moderation Tools Wisely · 3. Combine Human Oversight · 4. Implement Reporting and Blocking Features · 5. Foster a ...
  154. [154]
    A guide to inclusive communication online: You can always ask ...
    Nov 30, 2023 · It's vital to avoid biases and expressions that discriminate based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, and even ableist language commonly ...
  155. [155]
    More than a Hashtag: The #MeToo Movement is 10 years in the ...
    For the Me Too movement, social media was critical to empowering the voices of those that have been silenced and ignored in society. Social media gave survivors ...
  156. [156]
    [PDF] Twitter, Social Support Messages and the #MeToo Movement
    The advent of easily accessible social support through online chat rooms and social media created new ways for people to connect. Drawing from a meta ...Missing: global | Show results with:global
  157. [157]
    ?4U: Is Twitter killing the English language? – Language on the Move
    Aug 4, 2018 · ... degradation or destruction of modern day languages. Reply. Lai Ng ... language called “teen code” for chatting and posting on social media.<|separator|>
  158. [158]
    How Technology and Social Isolation May Affect Mental Health
    Oct 25, 2021 · Research has also shown that decreasing time spent on social media can help reduce feelings of loneliness among young adults ages 18 to 22.
  159. [159]
    Teenage Cyberbullying Statistics for 2025: Prevalence & Impact of ...
    67% of young people, ages 18-29, have been targets of online harassment—41% have experienced severe cyberbullying. On the other hand, a recent cyberbullying ...Missing: chats | Show results with:chats
  160. [160]
    60+ Key Social Media Addiction Statistics in 2025
    Average daily time spent on social media by teens, 4.8 hours, Gallup News. Daily time spent on social media by addicts, 5 to 9 hours, Multiple sources. Total ...<|separator|>
  161. [161]
    Tech has changed. Dating? It's complicated. - Harvard Gazette
    Feb 13, 2025 · If you think algorithms and chatbots are ruining romance, 'Labor of Love' author has a history lesson for you.Missing: mixed | Show results with:mixed
  162. [162]
    “Shifting old-fashioned power dynamics”?: women's perspectives on ...
    One popular app, Bumble, claims to be “shifting old-fashioned power dynamics” by requiring women to “go first” in conversations with “matched” men.Missing: chat mixed chats
  163. [163]
    [PDF] The promise and peril of parallel chat in video meetings for work
    Parallel chat in video meetings allows flexible communication and improved inclusivity, but can also be distracting and cause information asymmetries.
  164. [164]
    Echo chambers, filter bubbles, and polarisation: a literature review
    Jan 19, 2022 · Echo chambers, filter bubbles, and polarisation: a literature review. An unidentified man using a smart phone walks through London's Canary Wharf financial ...
  165. [165]
    [PDF] Distinguishing Bandwidth and Latency in Households' Willingness ...
    Bandwidth is the maximum throughput (Mbps), and latency is the time for a data packet to round trip (ms). Speed is a function of both.
  166. [166]
    [PDF] Challenges of Online Group Chat for Productive Discourse at Scale
    Aug 13, 2020 · Fur- thermore participants may find difficulties in not only keeping track of the conversation but also being heard and conveying their ideas.
  167. [167]
    Research Brief: Digital Access and Title III of the ADA
    There is a digital divide where people with disabilities have less access and benefit less from technology than people without disabilities. Most websites are ...Digital Divide · Common Access Issues · Social Barriers To AccessMissing: chat chats
  168. [168]
    Reassessing the disability divide: unequal access as the world is ...
    Mar 21, 2021 · This paper attempts to assess whether people with disabilities (PWD) own computers, connect to the Internet, and participate in online activities at the same ...Access · Online Activity · Privacy ConcernsMissing: chat chats developing
  169. [169]
    Privacy and Security Concerns in Online Chatting - OutRight Store
    Understanding Risks of Data Collection; Why We Need Encryption in Online Talks; Security Risks: Phishing, Malware, and Beyond; Metadata: The Silent Footprints ...
  170. [170]
    WhatsApp Patches Zero-Day, Zero-Click Flaw - Infosecurity Magazine
    Sep 1, 2025 · WhatsApp has patched a critical zero-day vulnerability it believes was exploited in a sophisticated attack. The messaging giant revealed in ...
  171. [171]
    Phishing evolves with AI and stealth: Kaspersky highlights biometric ...
    Aug 13, 2025 · Kaspersky has detected and blocked over 142 million phishing link clicks in Q2 2025, a 3.3% increase from Q1. Currently phishing is going ...
  172. [172]
    Detecting dangerous AI is essential in the deepfake era
    Jul 7, 2025 · Deepfake fraud cases surged 1,740% in North America between 2022 and 2023, with financial losses exceeding $200 million in Q1 2025 alone. The ...Missing: online chat
  173. [173]
    The impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on ...
    Mar 11, 2025 · Specifically, the GDPR reduced about four trackers per publisher, equating to a 14.79 % decrease compared to the control group. The GDPR was ...
  174. [174]
    California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
    Mar 13, 2024 · The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) gives consumers more control over the personal information that businesses collect about them.
  175. [175]
    Privacy rankings of popular messaging apps in 2025 - Kaspersky
    Oct 24, 2025 · Among the reviewed apps, only WhatsApp offers full end-to-end encryption for all chats by default. This is a crucial consideration, for the ...
  176. [176]
    Multi-Factor Authentication: Strengthening Security Against Cyber ...
    May 2, 2025 · This guide walks IT admins through a multi-factor authentication process, implementation tips, as well as two-factor authentication best practices.