Chatroom popularity
The popularity of Internet chatrooms is undeniable and far reaching. But why are they so popular? Speculation abounds, and many studies have been done, but I really think it comes down to a few fundamental factors.
Factor 1: Chatrooms are available 24/7
As frustrating as this may be, catastrophes just don't usually happen at convenient times (hence the term catastrophe right?). I know personally that during the lowest times in my life, I was able to function just fine in the company of other people and during "normal business hours". It was generally at about 1am that I had my nervous breakdown and just HAD to talk to somebody.
Ok, ok, so you've never had a nervous breakdown. Maybe you work REALLY odd hours. Maybe you're allergic to sunlight... who knows? The point is that chatrooms (and thereby human interaction) is never more than a few feet and a few clicks away if you have a computer and Internet access. For many, this factor alone is enough to draw them in and get them hooked for life. The Internet has always been convenient for things like shopping, directions, information and the like. The truly amazing thing about chatrooms is the convenience of finding someone to waste time with!
Factor 2: Chatrooms are completely annonymous
This one is a double edged sword, so I have to be careful what I say. For now we'll deal with the positives of annonymity and leave the potential pitfalls for later discussion.
Chatroom annonymity allows people to discuss things more freely and openly than other forms of communication. It's like that person on the subway that suddenly turns to you and begins to tell you their life story. Are they insane and completely irritating? Insane, probably not. Irritating... well, that really depends on your perspective but moving on...
The real question regarding that person on the subway isn't what they are. It's what YOU are to them. You're a stranger. You're someone they've never seen before, will likely never see again and you have absolutely NO preconceived notions about them. They're looking for an annonymous ear. Sometimes they expect feedback in return and sometimes they don't. Either way, it's usually a win-win as they get a listening ear and you get an opportunity to support and minister to another.
Chatrooms offer us that person on the subway, whenever we need it. On the flip side of that coin, chatrooms also give us the opportunity to minster to and support OTHER people in the same capacity. I mean, lets face it... we ALL need a sympathetic ear from time to time.
Factor 3: Chatrooms serve up 'exactly' what you need, when you need it
Now what do I mean by that? It sounds flaky I know, but hear me out. When you walk into a coffee shop (or bingo hall, or bowling alley, etc.) and you don't like the atmosphere or conversation that's taking place, what do you do? Basically, you only have 2 choices. Deal with it or leave. We ALREADY live hectic lives. Often times we're too tired to get back in our cars and drive to another location for fellowship and support at the end of a long day. Hence, we either sit there and tolerate the lackluster fellowship and conversation, or (perhaps more likely) we leave, somewhat dejected and frustrated.
Enter the chatroom. When you don't like the way a conversation is going in a chatroom, there's another just a click away. When support isn't available for the problem you're having on site A, site B will often offer up just what you're looking for in atmosphere and personalities.
Remember previously when I stated that chatrooms serve up 'exactly' what you need? Note the quotes around exactly (and the implied sarcasm). The truth is that very few chatrooms will offer exactly what you're looking for at any given moment. In fact, many won't even come close. But the fact that there's "another" chatroom right around the corner is always true and gives the impression that you can find more relevant and interesting conversation at the drop of a hat. Whether that impression is true or not... well... I leave that up to you.