Chat advantages and local chat or do you want a reason to talk to someone you don’t know ? In one illustrative intervention study (Hampton & Wellman, 2003), a suburb of Toronto had been turned into a “wired suburb” when residents were offered a package of online services, including high-speed internet access, videophone, online health advice, and local online discussion forums. After this intervention, follow-up data suggested that the internet actually stimulates more offline contact (resonating with the debate reviewed above) and promotes collective action to solve community problems offline (see also Blanchard & Horan, 1998).
Most of us feel anxious whenever we think about approaching and talking to strangers. We start doubting ourselves and think of all the things that could go wrong. However, there is something I find surprising about anxiety. The more you do things that make you nervous, the less nervous you feel, and the more confident you become. By making it a habit to talk to two or three strangers every day, you gradually start becoming more comfortable with initiating conversations with strangers, and your self-confidence goes up. Whenever you find yourself in social situations, you stop feeling awkward or shy because you are already used to interacting with strangers. This also gives you the confidence to introduce yourself to people you want to meet for some reason (such as a potential employer or a potential date).
On the other hand are those who fear that the internet causes a multitude of social and psychological problems. Several psychologists have claimed to treat people with “internet addiction.” For example, in 1999, David Greenfield adapted a diagnostic tool from a gambling addiction questionnaire, substituting “internet” for gambling. This approach ignores the positive benefits of being involved with the internet: Compare a statement such as “I am gambling too much” with one such as “I am communicating on the internet too much.” Find a few more details on chatous.
Although the benefits of face-to-face communication are numerous, there would still be some disadvantages to be addressed. For example, it can be tricky to actually find the time to meet people. Emailing and texting are faster especially if the other person you want to communicate with is in another country. Moreover, some people find it hard to communicate chat. Also, getting the same message across to different people may be hard with chat communication. However, these few disadvantages can be overcome by setting a video conference through a platform like TalkWithStranger.
Social media helps teens feel more connected to their friends’ feelings and daily lives, and also offers teens a place to receive support from others during challenging times. 83% of teen social media users say social media makes them feel more connected to information about their friends’ lives. 70% of social media-using teens feel better connected to their friends’ feelings through social media. 68% of teen social media users have had people on the platforms supporting them through tough or challenging times. See extra info at talk to strangers online.