With the dawning of the Internet, it has never been easier to get in touch and establish relationships with those you otherwise would have never met. Yet, what about the ignorant strangers lurking about the inner sanctums of the Web? Such people inspire me and make me want to poison the water supply at the same time. So how would I hook up with these elusive Net Neanderthals? Omegle, a new program and iPhone application which does just that. Fun!



Okay, I'm embellishing a bit; I did have a blast with this. However, it is not for the weak of humour. The concept of Omegle is randomly connecting one thinking, feeling individual with another by a simple click of a button, and it has glorious potential. When you enter the website or hop on from your approved Apple device, you are quickly prompted by a cheery online atmosphere and an easy-to-find "Start Chat!" button.

Now watch in awe as the hilarity grows like a virus and instantly instills in you that good ol' love/hate feeling. Kind of like how you feel about mullets and pro wrestling.



Four hours later you'll start doubting this whole "blind date on the net" thing. Not that this will stop you. Numerous "strangers" will ask you if they can 'oh please have sex with you' and you may just chime in: (completely outside your character, of course) "Sure thing, duder! Throw in your bloated, sore-laden, puss-ridden mother and you have yourself a deal!" HEY MAW!



The fantasy of carrying on intellectual conversation when spontaneously connecting two people that initially know nothing about each other is not unique to Omegle. For example, see the AIM Fishbot Phenomenon. We're sure the project developers have the best of intentions. However, Uncle Ben got it right; "With great power, comes great responsibility."


When given the choice of hiding behind the veil of anonymity and unleashing your inner creep, or showing your true intellectual self, which would you choose? Which do you choose?





Keyboard photo courtesy of Christopher Saccaro