If you are one of those who are seriously into social networking, then the Chatroulette website may not need any introduction. But even if you are not, perhaps you may have heard from somewhere about the site's famous (or sometimes infamous) reputation.
So What Exactly Is Chatroulette?
Chatroulette is a website that was created by 17-year-old Andrey Ternovskiy back in November 2009. It functions very much like a big, one-on-one chat room, in which visitors are randomly paired with a complete stranger from any part of the world. If the visitor happens to as his or her chat partner, then a conversation may be initiated between them, using video, audio, or text, for as long as they like. However, the visitor may, at any point in time, decide to stop, or click the Next button to be paired to another stranger. Repeating this process thus simulates the spin of a roulette wheel, with the same element of unpredictability.
Is There Anything Wrong with Chatroulette?
Chatroulette is originally intended as a social networking site, to initiate friendly relationships with total strangers. However, a study done in March 2010 has noted some controversial trends regarding it. For instance, it was discovered that 1 out of 8 "spins" in the Chatroulette resulted in offensive content, usually through the exposure of genitals. In addition, many females have been requested to appear nude in front of their web cameras, most likely due to the fact that 89% of its members are male, and only 11% are female. In response to this, the site has declared an age limit of 18 for its members and the possibility of having a visitor banned for demonstrating profane or illegal activities.
What Are The Alternatives to Chatroulette?
1. Omegle.com
Since its launch, the Chatroulette web site has been ranked as number 1,433 in the world, which is currently generating revenue through advertising. Because of this, several different web sites have followed a similar format. One of these is Omegle. In addition, just like Chatroulette, it also features a one-on-one, random pairing of visitors to total strangers around the world. However, it currently imposes no restrictions as to the age and possible profanity of its members. As a result, many people have expressed concern as to the site's negative influence on teenagers and children.
2. ChatHopper.com
Another alternative is ChatHopper.com. It features exactly the same random pairing, and the same options for chatting. However, in contrast to Omegle.com, there is a stated age limit of 16, and the site also discourages illegal or profane activities to be performed. Nevertheless, the site explicitly encourages flirting activities with the opposite sex, and allows the posting of semi-nude photos.
3. FaceBuzz.com
Then there is also FaceBuzz.com. It has the same format, and also enforces the same limits to encourage a friendlier and safer chatting environment for its members. Of particular interest to this site however, is its claim of having a very extensive network, from many countries worldwide, such as Canada, UK, Germany, Malaysia, and many more.
4. ShufflePeople – www.chatroulettepeople.com
Shuffle people is chatroulette alternative from wooome.com It has around 5,000 users on at any time. Only drawback is annoying pop-up and the refreshing ads.
5. Flipchat.com
Flipchat is a solid performer but its user base is a bit low as compared with other sites which is around 1,000
Conclusion
In the end, one will inevitably find other similar sites, with little difference as to content and rules. In addition, it is entirely up to the person whether these sites are any better. However, for people who simply want a Chatroulette alterna, or a new circle of friends to mingle with, and who doesn't mind the occasional "surprises" from some members, then these alternatives may be worth looking into.