I chat because I can annoy this girl...umm her name is M*era. Man its really fun... The real reason behind it could be any of the following DP has mentioned. But I think chatting is kinda addictive as you get used to it..It becomes part of your life and its the perfect way to communicate with people simultaneously. MAtter of fact since using MSN for last 5 years..I find comfortable chatting through MSN rather than on thephone with old frens...guess it saves lot of time..and its multitasking...but again so many things could be misinterpreted in chat..but HEy big old LOL can squeeze humour out of anything controversial...:)