Since its inception in 2009, Chatroulette has become a true Internet phenomenon. The site randomly connects two users from anywhere in the world for video chat. At any time, each of the users can end the video chat and start a new one with another random user. If you are ready for an extraordinary experience full of danger and adventure, see Step 1, the brave conqueror of the Internet! A warning.
Chatroulette's Terms of Service prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using the site.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Connect to Chatroulette
Step 1. Purchase the appropriate hardware
Chatroulette is a video chat service, so you won't be able to get much of it without the proper gadgets and accessories. Make sure your computer has a working webcam, the latest version of Adobe Flash is installed, and that the speakers are working too.
If you're going to speak, make sure the microphone works too. This is not a prerequisite, as text chat is also possible
Step 2. Create an account
At first, Chatroulette allowed anyone to use the site anonymously. However, to reduce malicious use of the site, Chatroulette now requires users to sign in with their free accounts to use the site's features. When creating an account, you must provide a username, mailbox name and password with which this account will be associated.
To create an account, go to www.chatroulette.com (don't worry, there won't be any video yet). Click on the "Start" button in the upper left corner of the screen and a pop-up window will appear prompting you to create an account
Step 3. Test your webcam
In the main Chatroulette window, you should see two black rectangles on the left side of the screen. When using Chatroulette, the bottom square shows your webcam video, and the top one shows your partner's webcam video. Click on the "Preview your webcam" button on the bottom square to activate your webcam. If it works correctly, you will see what it is filming. This is usually your gorgeous face!
When you try to preview the camera, a pop-up window may appear asking you to confirm activation of the webcam. In such a case, simply click "Ok" or "Accept" or another equivalent option to enable your webcam
Step 4. Start chat
Once you've created an account and tested your webcam, you're ready to spin the Chatroulette roulette! If you are not already on the site, go to www.chatroulette.com. When you are ready and completely calm, click the "Start" button in the upper left corner. Your microphone and webcam will turn on and enter a chat with a random user from anywhere in the world. Good luck!
Step 5. Be prepared to switch to the next user or stop chatting altogether
After clicking on the "Start" button, the label on that button will change to "Next". This button will now allow you to instantly end video chat with the current user and switch to the next random user. If you are shy enough, you can hold your mouse over this button to be able to quickly switch in case of some offensive video content.
- In addition, the "Stop" button in the upper left corner will instantly interrupt the video chat without connecting to another user. As you can imagine, this button is needed in order to completely terminate the session.
- Finally, if you come across aggressive content, click "Report and next". If a lot of reports are received about a user within a certain period of time, he will be temporarily blocked.
Part 2 of 2: Chatroulette Etiquette
Step 1. Protect your personal information
Unfortunately, the Internet is full of scammers and scammers, and Chatroulette is no exception. Take a close look at your surroundings - is there anything in the field of view of your webcam that will allow you to somehow identify? If so, hide these items or remove them altogether. Below is just a small list of things by which you can be identified:
- Your real name
- Your address
- Financial information
- Moles / tattoos
Step 2. Tidy up your appearance and clean up
It's easy to forget, hunched over your laptop at 3 a.m., that your partner can see you too. Before logging into Chatroulette, you should make sure that you and your surroundings look right. Comb your hair, wash your face, and clean up all the trash around you to avoid reproaches from the merciless stranger.
If you have multiple lighting options, choose a soft, warm light source because, like most people, you will not look your best in dim monitor light
Step 3. Have fun
Despite its flaws, Chatroulette is an incredible tool. When used correctly, Chatroulette will allow you to establish a real connection with someone on the other side of the globe, whom you would never meet in your life. Make the most of this opportunity! Behave on Chatroulette as if you actually met someone from another corner of the planet - be polite, friendly and open. Common sense comes first!
- Chatroulette actually has very few rules of use. They are shown on the Chatroulette home page and are as follows:
- Users cannot display nudity and invite others to do so
- Users must be 18 years of age or older
- Users should not send spam (advertising)
- Users cannot pass off someone else's video stream as their own
Step 4. Plan a trick if you like
That's the beauty of Chatroulette! Take advantage of Chatroulette's randomness, global reach, and anonymity to surprise and / or amuse a stranger! For example, you can make fun of an unsuspecting partner by throwing an unexpected pop (shot) right in front of the camera. Or you can plan a whole show with fun songs and dances. You are limited only by your imagination and Chatroulette rules!
Step 5. Do not use Chatroulette if you are under 18 or uncomfortable with the content of the video
It cannot be described clearly enough - Chatroulette is not a place for children and people with heart disease.
Although most Chatroulette users are normal, adequate people, there are also a significant number of pranksters and perverts, many of whom are brave, arrogant and evil. The study, the results of which were previously published on the site, stated that 1 in 8 "roulette spins" resulted in a user connection to R-rated content (adult content). While efforts to curb these abuses have met with great success in recent years, such video content can still be stumbled upon on Chatroulette.
Seriously, don't use Chatroulette if you're a kid, and don't let your kids use Chatroulette if you're a parent. It's very easy to see something really scary on Chatroulette. You've been warned
Advice
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All celebrity appearances are fake.
There are programs that allow you to transmit video through a webcam, thereby giving the impression that they are not who they really are. Even some "regular" people on Chatroulette are actually recorded videos. To test this, ask the person to wink or put a shoe on their head.
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Be interesting.
The best way to get the most out of Chatroulette is to be fun! Save a trick for your Chatroulette partner, whether it's a Lady Gaga song or an unexpected serenade. If you don't want to do this, then at least be open and smile.
Warnings
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Beware of danger from strangers.
The dangers of showing your face and personal information on the Internet are well known. Just to remind you, there are many people whose hobbies are embarrassing people, defaming their name, or even ruining their lives. Do not disclose information that can later harm you, and remember that in today's world, even just your name can help you gain access to your personal information.
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Chatroulette is classified as NSFW (Not Safe to Work).
There is nudity, offensive gestures, swear words and all the other ways that people on Chatroulette can shock. It must be said that this site is really Unsafe To Work. If you want to avoid people showing their body parts, read the related article.