ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world's largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, asked readers to participate in a new survey answering the question, "Why do you use chat rooms?" There were 172 responses to this question. One participant feels that online chatrooms are a good place to minister to others, "Because it gives me an opportunity to meet people from all over the world, to discuss, to share, to counsel, and to pray with others." One of the hopes of Believers when participating in online chatrooms is to find new Christian friends.
Several people who answered the survey question felt that online chat forums were often confusing and the conversations were hard to follow. One person said, "Sometimes I don't type fast enough or the discussion moves too fast." Some apprehension about using chat rooms was expressed by a couple of readers. Fear of talking to someone who isn't sincere or has the wrong motives can be uncomfortable, and this keeps one participant from doing so. Another reader prefers face-to-face contact. Internet service being too costly is another reason used by a reader who doesn't use online discussion forums.
Participants in the survey seem to use online chatrooms for different reasons but one of the most popular reasons is because it's the fastest way to meet people. A thankful respondent said, "I am somewhat disabled and don't get out much so chatting in chat rooms helps me to not feel lonely." One productive Believer participates in online chatrooms as an opportunity to use idle moments for ministry. Another enjoyable aspect of communicating through the Internet is to exchange cultures with others.
As one respondent pointed out, it is good to use online chat rooms to keep in touch with family, friends, and other Believers. ChristiaNet's CEO William Cooper says, "Christian online forums are designed to edify the body of Christ." Learning how others are serving Christ can be very uplifting and encouraging. Communicating with other Christians can provide edification through learning Biblical knowledge and participating in prayer. It is great to meet people online through instant conversations and learn that there are Believers all over the world! For more information, visit: http://www.christianet.com/chatroom/
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ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world's largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, receives around one million visitors per month and has 400,000 email subscribers who have access to an online shopping mall, job bank, Biblical and life application resources, free ecards, Christian blogs and friendship communities.
