If random video chatting hasn’t been on your radar until now, maybe it’s time to see what it’s all about. Not just because you could have some fun; because it could actually improve your life! Now, this could sound like a pretty tall order; after all, it’s not like random video chatting is making anyone’s “Top 10 List” of things that lead to self-improvement. Even so, there’s a reason why millions of people around the world use random chat websites, and it’s not just for entertainment.
On a site like Fruzo, for example, you aren’t just randomly chatting with people; you’re also building your social network, and maybe even meeting a romantic interest. Random video chats can have all sorts of positive effects on your life, and you don’t even have to be a hardcore fan.
The “Why”
You’ll be able to improve your social skills without the typical pressures.
If your social abilities leave something to be desired, think of them as a sprained ankle. You know how they’re supposed to work, but you just can’t get them to function correctly. Instead of simply not using them, try practicing in a low-stakes environment – like random video chats. You can’t fix a sprained ankle by pretending that nothing’s wrong; that just makes it worse. Instead, you take it easy and use physical therapy to make sure that you’ll eventually get the full range of motion back.
There are three main reasons why random video chats are so low-pressure. First, you’ll probably never see the same person twice (unless you ended up following their profile), so there won’t be any repercussions if you feel like you were too introverted or cringy. Second, most random chatters are so used to awkward interactions that they’ll barely remember you. Even if they do, they probably won’t hold it against you. Third, you have the “next chat” button to save you if you ever need an exit strategy. If you feel like you’ve dug yourself a hole that you can’t climb out of, you’re just a couple seconds away from a new chat and a fresh start.
You’ll be able to talk to a real person anytime you want.
Even the people with robust friend groups can get lonely sometimes – and there are plenty who don’t have robust friend groups. Maybe you can’t sleep, it’s the middle of the night, and you’re tired of scrolling through Instagram. See who’s online at 2 AM. Or, perhaps you have something on your mind that you want to get off your chest, but you aren’t ready to tell anyone you know yet. Video chat anonymously and tell a stranger all about it.
One of the great things about video chats is that if one chat partner isn’t doing it for you, there are thousands more to talk with. If you just need a listening ear, you may not find that on the first or second chat – but you should be able to find it eventually.
You’ll be able to shake up your regular routine.
Most people don’t lack for sources of amusement, but if you have to choose from the same few options over and over again, they can start to feel a bit stale. Random video chats, though, can be a fun way to spend your free time. Plus, you’ll be talking to new people each chat session, so each time will be different from the last. Not only that, but you’ll probably end up meeting people from all around the globe – how’s that for variety!
The “How”
Take it upon yourself to make the chats entertaining.
Most people’s expectations for random video chats won’t be terribly high, but everyone loves to find a chat partner who’s really fun to hang out with. You don’t have to put on an entire song-and-dance act to keep your chat partners’ attention, but it’ll work out best if you have something to offer that’ll keep the conversation going. If you leave it up to everyone else to get things started, they could just as easily to skip you and look for someone who’s more engaging.
If this is starting to sound more complicated than you thought, don’t worry – here are some practical ideas to get you started. Once you’ve tried these, you’ll pretty much know what does and doesn’t work for you – and you’ll probably have a few of your own ideas to test-drive in future chats.
What to talk about during random video chats.
First of all, make sure you talk about things that interest you personally. If you aren’t somehow invested in a chat, it’s pretty much pointless.
A solid starting point is to chat about your hobbies. Do you enjoy re-purposing second-hand clothes, or modifying cars? Find someone who enjoys something similar, and chat about whatever projects you’re working on. If you wanted something a little more structured, try some games – “20 questions” or “truth or dare” are popular. The more adventurous could branch out, with discussions of their dream vacations, or what kind of house they’d live in if they had an unlimited budget.
In other words, just about anything goes, as long as it interests both you and your chat partner.
If you have a particular topic to chat about, look for someone who’ll discuss it with you.
You never know what random chats will bring you, but you don’t have to depend on the luck of the draw 100% of the time. If there’s a particular subject that you need to talk about, simply go through chat after chat asking if they’re available to listen. It might take a little longer, but it’ll be worth the wait.
This is just a partial list.
If you really want to find out all the ways random video chatting can benefit you, you’ll just have to try it yourself! Whether you’re looking for some entertainment, or you want to find a new friend, video chatting is a great place to start.