Have you heard about Omegle? Even if it's just clippings of quick videos on other social networks where content creators talk and joke with people? The platform was launched in 2009 and won over the public due to the practicality of exchanging messages between unknown users and without even having to register.
In the pandemic, so much idle time at home and not being able to go out at the weekend, Omegle gained strength and became popular in 2020, being seen as a way to socialize and have less lonely days in quarantine. So much so that digital influencers and famous personalities started using the platform to find fans.
In Brazil, Omegle started to be more searched on Google in April 2020 and has remained one of people's high interests since then, according to Google Trends data.
The site was created by Leif K-Brook and due to the rise, it is now possible to select the language and chat via text, audio and video. At the same time that it began to be successful in our country, Orkut and MSN were in fashion. The difference is that after a while, the site stopped being attractive.
The possibility of having a platform to meet people and have fun is exciting, so much so that in 2013 there was an attempt at an experimental version for mobile devices, as if it were an Omegle app. Now, the platform is available both for use on desktop or mobile (Omegle Online) or by application for Android.
The growth of Omegle was due to the unusual searches of Internet users, with some even without clothes on the calls. controversies, today the platform displays a message asking people to look for adult content sites, if that is what they are looking for.
Interested in knowing what it is, the functionalities and other possibilities? See below!
What is Omegle?
Omegle is a platform that makes it possible to connect people with similar interests and anywhere in the world, chat and video, people can interact with strangers anonymously.
Does Omegle work?
Without the need to register or to inform your name and age, just access the site and you can start a conversation with possible new friends. But there is the issue of not having to choose who to talk to, as the chats are created automatically, and you can only select topics of interest.
On Omegle it is not possible to add a photo or a nickname. Your name during chat is “You” and your new unknown friend is “Stranger”. That way, you never know who you're going to meet. The site works in web version in the browser, and can be by computer or cell phone. Access is free.
Interface and ease of use
As much as the Omegle website is interesting, it does not have a very attractive look. Even because it is old, the appearance refers to something that was developed in the 90s.
The interface is simple, a layout with many elements, large buttons and very striking colors. Normal ease of use, as the site is limited in functions. Also, there are some chat options, listed in the middle of the home screen, so it's not too difficult.
Omegle: age group
On Omegle, there are no age restrictions. So, a warning on the screen may not be enough to prevent you from being exposed to inappropriate content or limit you from talking to someone dangerous.
In the terms of use, it is written: “By downloading our application or using our services, you agree that you are over 18 years old or over 13 years old with the permission of your parents”. The ideal is for people over 18 years old, not suitable for children, for example.
Is Omegle safe?
The idea of talking to people you've never heard or seen, and still maintaining total anonymity and without many formalities, seems worrying. So it's natural for fears to take over.
For example, information taken from chats with strangers can be used for scams and fraud. Furthermore, Omegle has content that is inappropriate for certain ages or even ethnic groups. This is because, in addition to chatting about specific topics for adults, the platform has already been accused of allowing users to reproduce child pornography, according to a BBC report published in early 2021.
How to use Omegle safely?
There are precautions that must be followed to maintain your safety, both on the internet and in life. Are they:
- Never divulge personal information;
- Do not accept files from strangers;
- Do not ask for or provide bank details;
- Don't make dates with people you don't know;
- Know when to disconnect the call.
Also watch for signs that the person you are talking to may be dangerous, such as:
- Too much information about you;
- Rush things;
- Be insistent on calls;
- Messages out of context;
- threats.
In these cases, the ideal is to hang up the call immediately and block the user.
Finally, remember that anonymity on the internet is not always a good thing. So be aware and be careful who you talk to.
Keep the moderation active
In all chats, moderation is required to avoid problems. In this sense, Omegle is also no different and provides a resource for this. Called “Supervised”, it only works on computers and is activated by clicking on the “Talk to someone who is supervising” option, located in the menu on the left of the screen.
active moderation, the chat is monitored by a robot, which identifies and blocks inappropriate keywords. Although not infallible, it is a way to reduce the risk of encountering inappropriate content.
Do not provide personal data
oo Omegle does not require registration, you do not need to provide any data to start using the platform.
When in doubt, do not enter your name, surname, address, e-mail, date of birth or any other personal data in your conversations. In addition, it is also important to avoid sharing your social networks or any other form of contact.
Leave the room if you suspect something
If you notice that the other person is insisting on personal information or if you suspect something, don't hesitate to leave the room.
Does Omegle have any parental controls?
Because the site promotes meetings between unknown people, anonymous conversations are usually focused on unusual events. Therefore, Omegle warns that “human behavior is fundamentally uncontrollable” and that “the people you meet on Omegle may not behave appropriately”.
Therefore, the big problem is that there is no mechanism to prevent minors from accessing the site. Not being able to control who your children can talk to.
Among the many concerns associated with children using Omegle are: exposure of minors to explicit content and personal information; contact bad people and the conversation is hacked.
o usar o Omegle?
It's easy to use Omegle, it's very simple and intuitive. The site is self-explanatory and directs you to the necessary steps. Check the login:
Visit the Omegle page
Sign in to Omegle. If you are of legal age, click on “Adult” or “Unmoderated Section” to have the sexual content chat option. Then scroll down to view the rest of the site.
Choose between text or video chat
Once everything is ready, choose the way to chat by clicking on “Text” (for text) or “Video” (for video image conversations) in the lower right corner.
Choose the interests and subjects you want to talk about.
On the left side, select your subject of interest that you want to talk to people about, in addition to choosing the option “College student chat”, which needs an email ending in “.edu”, “ .edu.XX” or “.ac.XX”.
start chatting
this will open the chat window, displaying your new friend in the left corner. If you want to write, just use the text field at the bottom of the screen and send.
When you finish the conversation, click on the "Stop" button
When you want to change people, press the “Stop” button and confirm by pressing “Esc” again. Now, if you want to leave the chat altogether, just click on the “X” and close the window.
In addition, the app offers standard text chat and allows you to activate video – if you want. In this case, the image is displayed in the left corner of the screen and you can interrupt the conversation or call whenever you want. By clicking the 'Stop' button, you can switch rooms as well.
o use Omegle in spy mode?
If you want to enter spy mode, just go back to the Omegle home page and click on the respective button. So when the box is in 'ask' mode, you have to enter a question for two strangers, clicking on the 'ask strangers' button will invite two random people who will respond.
Now, to become one of the strangers who are discussing, click on the 'discussing questions' link at the bottom of the spy mode box, after that click on 'check it out!' to be associated with a question and someone to come in to discuss.
o ser desbanido do Omegle?
If the person is reported for inappropriate content or otherwise, the easiest way to regain access to Omegle is to change the IP address. That's because VPNs are tools made to change your address and allow the user to be unbanned. The ideal is to wait a few days to return.
Ways to keep kids safe online on Omegle
Therefore, even though there is a rule that requires the user to be over 18 or over 13 with parental permission, there are no controls to ensure that this rule is followed.
To keep children safe, the ideal is to have an open dialogue at home to talk about their experiences on the internet or look for alternatives that make it possible to set up an account, or Messenger Kids, which requires verification from one of the parents and gives the ability to monitor the contacts.
It is also important to be present while your child browses the site and the possibility to download a parental control app, which allows you to block other apps and schedule time so that it is not excessive.
Cautions when using the Omegle website and app
In the end, you can only control your own reaction, so often the best thing to do is leave the chat and avoid discomfort, especially since most users are teenage males.
Omegle takes some precautions to preserve the identity and privacy of users, and you can file a complaint if any type of content makes you uncomfortable. Don't forget to pay attention if the other person is recording the conversation via webcam.
Some alternatives to Omegle
The curious thing is that Omegle is not alone when it comes to platforms that offer the chance to chat with completely unknown people, without the need for registration or identification.
There are some alternatives to Stranger MeetUp, which has text chat and very simple access, without being able to choose the topics of interest or display the user's country on the conversation screen.
Make a note of some sites that are practical to use and that have functionality very similar to the platform:
Ome TV
Ome TV, on the other hand, may remember the name Omegle, but it has nothing to do with it. Ome TV requests country information from the user and conversations are video only.
Ablo
Ablo serves to connect and talk to random people a real-time translation feature.
lingbe
Lingbe is the option to train fluency in another language. The application connects people who are native speakers or those who want to practice another language, through chat conversations or calls.
aunt
It's a voice chat app, making it possible to find friends and also strangers with the same interests. There's playing, chatting, making friends and it's still 24 hours of fun.
Yubo
Yubo is a platform where you can find new friends through lives and interactions. Everything is based on your own interests, just join a unit and socialize in chat.
ChatAlternative
Chat Alternative connects you people from different countries video chats. The app allows face-to-face conversations and you can choose to filter the results, choosing only to talk to strangers from certain places.
Bermuda
Through the platform, you can use gender and region filters to find someone, as well as being able to express yourself stickers and talk to people at any time. The difference is that you still have to send a gift to your friend through the social network.
Hello
Hola is a platform that focuses on live social discovery. You can play with your friends or meet new people, you can also share videos and photos with your followers and separate users by interest.
Conclusion
Omegle and all these alternatives, do you like talking to strangers or do you prefer having conversations with friends and people you know?
Whether you want to learn new languages, it's a great idea to chat with someone on the other side of the world, or you're looking for spontaneous love, Omegle is the place for adventure.
To really enjoy the site, enter different video chats, use all available tools and, finally, choose the feature you like the most. Try having a date totally in the dark, just don't forget to be careful.
