by : Russet

asl?
19/f/phil u?
22/m/usa … ctc?
ok, np
lol

Looks familiar?

For those who are now reading this article, I’m sure that at one time or another, you have entered the world inside the chat room.. Hey, don’t deny it because I, too, am guilty of spending long hours in front of my PC chatting with.. uhmm.. WHOEVER…

The Internet has truly made the world a lot smaller. For the more serious ones, the worldwide web, has helped business transactions less complicated and information dissemination easier.

On the lighter side, it has also provided an avenue to communicate and interact with anyone, help friendships flourish.. and to the fortunate species out there.. for relationships to blossom… and yes, I am referring to the world inside the chat room!

But the value of the chatting, whether through the MIRC, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, depends on how you use it.

It can keep you company when you cannot sleep, cut your telephone bill but still remain updated with old friends elsewhere. And for those away from home or who need to work in other countries, chatting has become a therapy against homesickness. It makes them feel a lot closer to home and family. The new friends they meet in the chat room create a sense of belonging in those times of loneliness. And with people from different places inside the channel, it is definite that whatever time of the day you log on, you will surely find someone to talk to.

However, chatting has also its “negative” side. Chats can expose you to a lot of unpleasant behavior. Talking inside chat rooms can be a bit wild with a great deal of sex talks, sleaze and garbage. Sexual proposals made inside the chat room are not far-fetched (heard of those SEBs?). No offense meant to those who are into it because it is really a matter of choice whether to accept or refuse offers of this nature.

Talking to fellow chatters seems to transport you to another world that you tend to forget time and the other things that you have to attend to. The excitement of meeting different people will leave you wanting for more, until such time that you can never let a day pass without entering what has become your favorite chat room.

I started chatting quite a bit late.. if my memory serves me right, probably around January of 2001.. though a lot of my buddies have told me the fun they derive out of it..

At first, I cannot seem to understand why people would spend long hours just to “chat”. I also didn’t find the idea of EBs interesting.. I was definitely contended with the set of friends that I have…. so I thought…then…

But curiosity led me to the IRC.. and before I knew it, I got.. well… hooked!!.. and to this day, I am proud to say that I have been a regular of the MIRC (#pobres-park at Dalnet… hehehe.. plugging!)

Surprisingly, while at first you really do not know the person you are “chatting” with, you tend to get interested with that person… know their interests.. their views.. and when the conversation gets deeper, you find giving a part of yourself to that person.. you share your dreams, goals and even frustrations and heartaches…

Chatters have their share of stories to tell.. experiences to share.. I have met several couples who started their relationships inside the chat room.. some may have parted ways but a greater number have continued to hold on to their relationships and in fact, have considered sharing their lives together…

And though I was not spared of those unpleasant instances and have been offered those sexual proposals, these would not prevent to continue chatting.. for I have definitely found good friends inside the chat room… and I can say that the friendships that we share go beyond the world inside the chat room….

For whatever its worth, what is important is that you have fun inside the chat room. It is definitely a whole new world of experience. Click on and enjoy! Happy Chatting!

by: Karla Vanessa Redor

A classmate of mine in my second year college introduced me to the world of forums. I started out with the very popular PinoyExchange. Then I joined other forums like PinoyForum, ad Barrio Alimasag. After which, I accidentally discovered Rebelde.Com and has become a member of it. Now, I’m an active member Grabeh.Com and I’m one of the Grabeh Yayas taking care of the Grabeh Babies.

I found joy in posting in the forums and reading what others have to say. In posting, I am able to express myself to the Online Community. I am able to say what my opinions, beliefs are. In addition to that, I’m able to give advices to others. Being of help to other people makes me happy. But then, I sometimes question myself that “Hey, am I forgetting myself?” From reading posts of other members, I am able to learn something. With that, I am able to connect through them since I know what they ought to say and likewise they know what I ought to say.

I have met a lot of friends in the forums especially in the Rebelde and Grabeh community. We may not be seeing each other that often but I am close to some of the members and you know who you are. I even get to chitchat with them through SMS, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger, and send them e-mails as well. I have shared with them my problems and I’m glad that they are there to listen and comfort me. I never thought that I would find such friends here since I have had once the perception that many people online are just joking around.

To the creator of the forums… thank you for making a significant change in my life.