Online Chat: Pros and Cons

The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

There are many places on the internet where you and your children may interact with someone through online chat. This can be a good tool in some instances, and in others, it may be dangerous. Keep reading for pros and cons related to online chat.

What is online chat?

Online chat is a service that is available online, in a number of different instances. You may be able to chat online to receive help with an order you made on the internet, to talk to your friends, or even when you want to meet new friends.

To find out more about online chat, check out BetterHelp. There is information about different types.

Online Chat Pros

There are a few advantages of online chat that you may want to consider.

• Anonymous. With some types of online chat, the process is completely anonymous. This can be helpful if you are trying to meet new friends, but it may be frustrating in some instances as well.
• Doesn’t cost anything. Online chatting is often free through websites or by downloading apps. You may have special apps that you added to your phone to keep up with specific loved ones or you might enjoy interacting with strangers through them.
• Can get support. This type of chat is also a way to get support that you need. If you didn’t receive a package you ordered, chatting with a representative from the company may be how your issue is rectified. On the other hand, you may benefit from chat support when you are utilizing services like online therapy as well. There are apps that you can take advantage of which allow you to work with a counselor by chatting with them.
• Easy to talk to friends. Talking to friends and being social can be beneficial for your health, so when you are a busy parent, online chat may be a helpful way for you to talk to your friends. You might be using this feature on social media sites or through other means. At times, speaking with others online can help you solve problems and get the care that you need.

Online Chat Cons

Downsides are also present when it comes to online chat.

• May be dangerous. In certain situations, you might not know who you are talking to online. This may not be as dangerous for an adult as it is for a child but is still something that you should be wary about. While some use anonymous online chat sites for fun, if your child wishes to, you may want to monitor their use or research the safest options for them to try. After all, you never know who could be on the other end of the keyboard.
• No limits. With online chat sites or when chatting online through social media sites, there are likely no limits to what someone can do or say. This may also be something that you are uncomfortable with when it comes to your kids. Again, it is a good idea to keep up with how often they use this tool and make sure that they know about internet safety, when possible.
• Few rules. Since there are few rules about chatting online, in many cases, this can also create a problem in terms of safety. Perhaps your child encounters a bully online; what should they do? You might want to read the safety guidelines when it comes to chatting on the internet, so you can help you kids learn how to report someone that is bothering them.
• Could waste time. If an individual is using online chat, for any reason, for many hours a day, this could be a waste of time. When you or your child decide they wish to use this service, be sure to limit the time you spend on them. There are many other activities that you may want to do that are more important.

Conclusion

There are both pros and cons when it comes to online chatting. These should be considered when you or your children wish to interact with friends or strangers using this tool. Be sure to stay informed, be careful online, and teach your kids about what to look out for as well.

Collaboration.