These are areas that have real time feedback from others who are there at the same time you are. You can chat at web sites that have java based chat rooms, you can chat in AOL specific chat rooms, you can create an AOL chat, you can chat with Yahoo, Microsoft Messenger, AOL IM, ICR and IRQ.
Just find a format that feels most comfortable for you. Look through the many topics and areas of chatters and pick one. Just jump in before someone "outs" you (if you think you can stay still and be quiet in a chat room, you are sadly mistaken, someone will eventually call on you and bring you out in the open to get you to talk.)
Be very careful in chat rooms. Those who are pranksters with hacker tendancies love to spy on you while you are parked. Some will collect e-mail addresses of those in the room and sell it. You might get sexually harassed in a forum where you thought you could be free from it. (This is why you should never let children unattended in chat rooms, you child could be propositioned by perverts in an area that was supposed to be for only kids.)
Never tell a stranger (no matter how old or young you are) your address, phone number, social security number, birthday, passwords, or any other private information. Even if the person claims to be some sort of authority figure with an "excuse" needing such info, don't give it up! Any chat room that would require you give up personal info is a dangerous one.
It may seem harmless if someone is asking you a bunch of questions like your birthdate, pet's name, school or such, but you never know if it is a hacker trying to figure out important passwords.
Try to stay on the topic of the chat area. If it feels too hostile or uncomfortable, leave immediately!
Not all chat rooms are tales of paranoid horror. Moderated chat rooms are the best. Choose your topic and give a brief hello. Sit and watch a conversation for a few minutes and jump in when you feel safe. The moderator will be there to make sure things stay on topic and wars don't break out or your safety is not being compromised. They can't screen out everyone, so you still need to be cautious.
With those things in mind, go out and find a place to chat and you can have a great time.
