When you chat with someone online you are actually talking in real time, just like you would in a phone call. The only difference is that your words are typed back and forth. It is cheaper than a phone call. Because "posting" or "chatting" online involves only text, and not face-to-face encounters, it begins a safe communication mode surrounded by an anonymous cloud. As a result, it has also been called the "great equalizer" since your appearance, status, or gender is not relevant.