Chatroulette is a new Internet experience that is sweeping the world and college campuses.
The Web site allows users to video chat with random strangers from all over the world. Users have the ability to hit “next” at any moment during the chat. Created by a 17-year-old Russian named Andrey Ternovskiy, Chatroulette is a relatively new, but gaining momentum.
Students can be seen all around campus huddled by their laptops experiencing Chatroulette. Cries of “next” can be heard from these students.
Biology and Spanish double major Ronnie Barakat does not visit the site too often, but has fun when he does.
“I would say I use it once every two weeks,” Barakat said. “I only use it in groups though and we always ended up having a good time.”
Celebrities are also chiming in on this new phenomenon. Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba and Chris Brown have been reported as users of the site.
“I want to chat with Justin Beiber,” sophomore Alex Roach said. “I think it would be really cool to chat with him.”
However, not everyone is singing Chatroulette’s praises. Sociology major Emma Killingsworth does not understand all the hype.
“I just heard about it a few days ago, and it seems creepy,” Killingsworth said. “Everything is a phase, so it won’t be popular for long.”
Critics disapprove of the lack of censorship on the site.
Users are free to broadcast any video of themselves. Many users of the site have noted that some people show objectionable material.
Sophomore Mason Galloway, who only uses Chatroulette to “have fun” or “meet friends” has seen questionable material.
“I’ve seen some videos that were very adult themed,” Galloway said. “I can’t hit the next button fast enough.”
Bakarat and Killingsworth both agree that there should be some censorship as to what can be broadcast.
Some students view the site as an educational experience. Spanish major Rachel Brown has used Chatroulette to brush up on her Spanish.
“I was able to speak Spanish with a Chilean,” she said.
Though Brown is “down to chat,” she is somewhat skeptical of the site. “I question the motives behind people using Chatroulette,” Brown said.
No matter how one uses Chatroulette, it is an experience that is like no other. Only time will tell if the Web site cements itself in the technology history books.
