My First (Chaotic) Experience On Chatroulette

Today I tried something new and feel the need to tell the world about it, or at least telling you, dear readers!

Lately, a lot of my friends were talking about a new website called Chatroulette. I even noticed people on my Facebook page referring to it on their status and I must admit I felt like an outcast not knowing what it was. So I figured it was up to me to learn more about this new trend that is making so much noise, or at least virtual noise.

The concept of Chatroulette is simple but quite interesting. It's a a website that pairs random strangers around the world for webcam-based conversations. So basically, the point of Chatroulette is to start an online chat (video, audio, text) with another visitor. At anytime, you can stop the conversation and start another one with a new person, hence the word roulette.

All you need to do to experience Chatroulette is to accept the webcam invitation that pops out once you're on the website, and click on "new game" to see your new correspondent and start a conversation. I was so sceptical about total strangers being able to see me that I kept clicking on "next" to wait for a face that I could trust. Unfortunately, that moment never happened, it actually kept getting worst. All the visitors were men and let's just say that one of them wasn't all about chatting.

Anyway, if you never tried Chatroulette, I recommend you to do it with a friend so it's less intimidating and actually funny. Although my personal experience was chaotic, I still think it is an interesting social concept. Even if it is not considered as a social media, Chatroulette tends to redefine the notion of network. This website defends the idea that the Internet becomes a global network and that borders between users are pushed further and further.

It is interesting to see that several celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher have been spotted on Chatroulette. Though nothing can confirm it was really him, it wouldn't be surprising considering that the young actor was one of the first star using Twitter.

Chatroulette was created last year by a 17 year-old russian. The website is recent and time will show if celebrities or maybe businesses have any interest in it. Companies may start using it to launch virtual events and create a buzz, who knows? Some artists like Faith No More have already started to experience Chatroulette by broadcasting their concert on it.

The concept is still under construction and should have more regulation, but it could change the rules of social media as we know them.