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Online chat can refer to any kind of communication over the Internet, but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or text-based group chat (formally also known as synchronous conferencing), using tools such as instant messengers, Internet Relay Chat, talkers and possibly MUDs. The expression online chat comes from the word chat which means "informal conversation". ChatiquetteThe term chatiquette is a variation of netiquette (chat netiquette) and describes basic rules of online communication. To avoid misunderstandings and to simplify the communication between users in a chat these conventions or guidelines have been created. Chatiquette varies from community to community, generally describing basic courtesy; it introduces new user into the community and the associated network culture. As an example, it is considered rude to write only in upper case, because it looks as if the user is shouting. The word chatiquette has been used in connection with various chat systems (e.g. IRC) since 1995. Cultural impactDespite being virtual, chat can spill into the outside world. There can also be a strong sense of online identity leading to impression of subculture. Compare Internet sociology. Social CriticismThere has been much criticism about what online chatting has done in today’s society. Many people are accusing it of replacing proper English with short hand with an almost completely new hybrid language.Writing is changing as it takes on some of the functions and features of speech. Internet chatrooms and rapid real-time conferencing allow users to interact with whoever happens to coexist in cyberspace. These virtual interactions involve us in `talking' more freely and more widely than ever before (Merchant, 2001). With chatrooms replacing many face-to-face conversations it is necessary to be able to have quick conversation as if the person was right there with you. So many people learn to type like they would normally speak. Critics are wary that this caus...
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