Chat pests multiply faster than bacteria on a rotting loaf of bread. In spite of portals creating rooms for those sharing specific interests, there are always some who log on just to nag, annoy or exasperate the rest. They also include those trying to entice users to a particular Web site, where clicking on the proffered link not only directs more traffic to it, but also records the user's email id.

Adarsh Nigam, Assistant Vice President at an international content management organisation, says, "I always get obscene messages from desperadoes asking me to see their nude pictures (assuming all who log in are dying for a dekko)." Vivek Srivastava, senior Web Consultant, adds, "There are always some who want to cause confusion or want attention, mainly from girls."

Would one consider this scenario as a break from the monotony, or a nuisance? "While some people are rather amusing, I wish they would keep their intrusions to a minimal," says Adarsh.

The question one has to ask is, what lures these pests, or drives them to filling up your screen with emoticons and crude declarations? If it's a basic human need for attention, it doesn't take Sigmund Freud to realise that, in a chat room used by 150 others, the best way to the limelight is by sending messages in the upper case, or saying something particularly offensive.

Rajesh Singh (name changed to conceal identity) is a perfect example. Using the sinister sounding 'Gotusucker' as an id, he is actually a senior executive at a software export firm who logs on just to annoy others. "When I'm bored, I usually log on to send obscene messages to people," he confesses. "It gives me a kick to read their replies. That way, they also remember my username amongst 200 others," he adds, proudly.

For those who enjoy this sort of pestering, the best bet to receive offensive messages is by having a login name that sounds feminine, even if remotely so.

Sarina D'mello, a content writer, testifies: "Though I don't visit chat rooms regularly, I have found pests whenever I do. Once, there was this guy who figured I was female, and started sending me mail along with his picture and phone number." Did this outrage her or put her off chatting completely? "Ah! No," she smiles. "He reacted to my a/s/l, obviously, which I had typed in with the intention of making friends myself. I blocked him because his conversation seemed a little too vulgar."

At times like these, filth filters save the day. There are always methods to insulate users from profanity. Remarks Vivek, "Most major chat sites do have a moderator who keeps things 'clean'. In a casual room, you can always ignore obscene personal messages. You can also report an offensive username to the site, which is not a permanent remedy, but a barrier nonetheless."

Sudarshan Sivaperumal, Network Engineer, Global E-Secure Ltd., explains further, "Chat rooms are basically applications (on chat-servers). Those in the know can select word-filters that can be incorporated into this software. However, for this, you need to have a word-list or pattern of words/sentences that need to be filtered. These can then act as signatures which can be matched and automatically discarded."

A final word of advice. A link could steer you to a hungry virus programme, or a lot of pornography. Ask Adarsh. "I received a personal message from a man who said he had built a Flash comic series on Pakistan-bashing, which I could view by clicking an accompanying link. I did, and presto, I was bombarded with around eight porn sites, one after another. When I turned around, I found my boss standing right behind me going '…hmmmm'…"



Additional Resources:
 --Chatters Guide - A Do-it-Yourself for newbies.
 --Ignoring Chatters - A few tips from About.com.
 --Kick off annoying chatters - For IRC users.