Chatroulette is an online social media tool which allows random internet users to connect with each other. The website is an unique way for people across the world to connect with individuals they would otherwise never had a chance of meeting.

The website concept was created by the 17 year old Andrey Ternovskiy who at the time was a Russian High School student. The concept was based on his online interactions with friends through already established internet communication systems. His parents were the initial investors and where soon repaid as the internet site became a success across the world in 2009. The site gains its funding from hosting advertising for different companies and is therefore4 able to offer the service free to its users.

The site utilises the users own technology and anyone accessing it needs to have a working webcam and microphone attached to their computer. Users are connected at random to another person who is logged in and both people are able to see and hear each other. Users have the ability to disconnect from the conversation at any time meaning it is a low risk communication site.

While currently not a legal requirement user are encouraged to be over 18 when they connect with another users as over half of the conversations conducted on the website contain explicit topics. Users should be aware that there are no filters in place to control the language which is used. The ability to end a conversation is a useful tool to avoid entering into any situation the users feels uncomfortable with.

A user can report an individual for unwanted behaviour; if multiple reports are filled the user in question will be banned from the service for a duration of time. However multiple users need to complain in order to ensure nobody is targeted unfairly.

Like other social networking sites available this style of video chat is an effective way to meet new people from different places around the world. Although created in Russia, the site is not limited to anyone continent with users from America making up the largest contingent while France and other European countries also have a large contingent of users.

The website has entered into popular culture with certain terms becoming part of the English language. To be nexted by a user means that they have chosen to terminate the conversation and move on to the next available persons. This is now becoming popular slang for ending a relationship with a person and moving straight into a new relationship.

The website is now a global phenomenon with bands using it to webcast performances and many celebrities logging on to chat with individuals across the world. As there is no control over who you speak to there is always the possibility of being paired up with somebody famous, an idea which intrigues many first time users to the site. The website has featured on several popular TV shows which have helped it gain its place as one of the up and coming social internet sites.