Chat line
Allows people to meet via telephone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A chat line is a service that allows people to meet and talk with others via telephone call. When multiple people can join the call, they are also called party lines.
Description
A chat line service introduces users to others to with via telephone call, often for a particular topic of interest.[1] The service may facilitate one-on-one communication or group interactions. Chat lines may be similar to CB radio in which a number of people both listen and speak together;[2] the term party line may be used for group calls.[1] Chat lines have been likened to the "precursor to the internet chat room".[3]
Chat lines may be used for dating to connect users looking for companionship or various other reasons.[4] Users of chat lines call the phone number of a chat line provider to setup their profile and get matched with a person or group.[4] Many modern services employ moderation and security features.[4]
How Chat Line Work
Modern chat line services typically operate through automated telephony systems that guide callers through a series of voice prompts before connecting them to other participants. After dialing a service number, users may create a short voice introduction, listen to recordings from other callers, and choose whether to initiate a live conversation.[5] Many systems use interactive voice response (IVR) technology and call routing software to manage multiple simultaneous conversations and match users based on preferences or geographic location. These services may support both one-on-one conversations and group discussions similar to traditional party lines.[6]
History
In the 1980s in the United States, party lines were advertised on television and frequently used by teenagers.[3] Services typically charged for use at a rate based on the number of minutes using the service.[3] To restrict access to chat lines, telephone customers employed the ability to pay a fee and block access to phone numbers from the 900 Service Corporation.[3]
