TextChat

Textchat is a form of communication that uses written messages to exchange information between two or more participants. It can be conducted in real time (live text chat) or asynchronously as a saved transcript. Text chat is a core component of many online communication systems and may function independently or as part of a broader platform that also supports voice, video, or media sharing.

The history of text chat includes early multi-user systems such as Internet Relay Chat, which began in 1988 and popularized public chat channels. Web-based instant messaging and embedded chat in websites followed in the 1990s, and modern messaging platforms combine chat with presence information, file sharing, and integrations with other services.

Typical features include private and group messaging, presence indicators, typing indicators, message history, search, attachments, emojis, and automated agents or bots. Some systems support threads, reactions, and message editing or deletion controls. Security and privacy policies vary by platform and may include encryption, data retention limits, and moderation tools.

Interoperability is supported by open standards such as XMPP (Jabber) and Matrix, though many consumer apps use proprietary protocols. Real-time delivery commonly relies on WebSocket or long polling transport layers.

Text chat is used in customer support on websites, team collaboration tools, online gaming, social networks, and educational contexts. It serves as a lightweight, searchable record of conversations and decisions.

Concerns around text chat include privacy, data security, moderation, and the potential for misinformation. Ongoing developments aim to improve encryption, data controls, accessibility, and integration with other communication modalities.