Online Video Chat

There are some interesting points made in the article called Growing Pains for Online Video Chat. It looks at why video chat hasn't taken off in the social network world of Facebook and Twitter. Many companies have tried to get users interested in video chat but only a few live on, like TokBox and Seesmic (but only in niche markets). Users who use online video chat on a regular basis tend to be extroverts and thieve on the pressure to perform. With text messages it is easy for everyone to use, you just have to think about what you want to say. You don't have to worry about how you look and act in real time which can create performance anxiety.

But it's another thing entirely to speak in front of a Webcam while potentially thousands of strangers watch, judging your looks, delivery, and every gesture.

Privacy also is another issue users of video chat have. You can post text messages on number of sites anonymously, but not video. If there is a video of you out there on the internet, chances are it always will be, along with the message you give in it.