Blog post #3: Chatroulette

When my friend first told me about Chatroulette I thought its sounded like the creepiest website ever. Actually, the first thing that came to my mind was why would anyone go to that website…isn’t that asking to meet a predator? After my friends assured me that it was anonymous and I would not have an Internet stalker after using the site, I went on and was amazed. I think this NY Times article (link below) really sums up everything I felt about Chartroulette.

“Chatroulette was a ‘very exciting reuse of existing technologies. I can’t say that I would want my kids on there but I know they are going to eventually find the site anyway’”(Bilton). http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/weekinreview/21bilton.html

I agree in that the website is a very cool use of technologies. There are so many social networking sites that aim to connect friends and family. However, this was the first site that aimed at connecting complete strangers. The excitement of clicking “next” and wondering who and what type of person would pop up is really fun.

I only see one issue with the site: people can use it really inappropriately and it has gained an infamous reputation for showing live, naked people. On one hand I think that almost any Internet site can be used improperly. The first amendment, which includes freedom of expression, protects people’s right to do so. And, when people go on Chatroulette they know what they are getting into...or do they? If a kid stumbles upon the site or even goes on because he/she heard about it and sees something they probably shouldn’t, is that okay? To be honest, I don’t really know which side I’m on. I’m a full believer in individual liberties. I think that the government should enforce laws only to the extent that people have the right and ability to choose how they wish to proceed. Nevertheless, I take issue with the lack of legislation imposed on the World Wide Web. I think the government is really behind in creating guidelines/laws for the Internet. In fact, someone can post something completely slanderous and even UNTRUE on the Internet and there is no law against it. In conclusion, I believe that the technology behind Chatroulette is really exciting but I’m not as enthusiastic about the social implications of the site.