Summarize:

Unless you are using programs tied to your real identity, such as Facebook, choose a user name that masks your true identity. Avoid anything that could give clues to figuring out who you are. Use things such as hobbies or names derived from books or movies to help create an identity that you like while protecting your personal information. There are lots of shady people out there who will take whatever information they can from you and profit from it. Guard your personal information as closely as you would any valuable in a strange place.  Never give out your passwords to anyone, even if they say they work for the company running the chat. All companies can reset your password or access your account if necessary; none of them need you to give them your password. If anyone asks for your password, assume that they are going to do something malicious with it. When using a webcam, make sure that there is nothing that can personally identify you in the image. People are surprisingly adept at tracking others down using the most innocuous clues. Hide any letters on your desk that may have your address, and make sure that your real name isn’t printed on something hanging on the wall behind you Many people use online chats to meet new people in real life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just be sure that when you do decide to meet someone, that you are doing so in a safe manner. People can pretend to be anything they want online, so make sure that you trust the person before meeting.  Always tell someone that you know that you are going to meet a person that you met online. Give them the details about where you are meeting and when you expect it to be over. Always meet for the first time in a public place during the day. Never agree to a first meeting at your house or theirs. Even if no one is actively reading the logs, your messages and IP address are noted every time you post a message. These records could come back to haunt you if you find yourself doing illegal things while chatting. Always assume that someone else can read your chats, even if they’re marked private.
Hide your identity. Don’t give out personal information unless you absolutely trust the other person. Don’t meet someone online unless you know it’s safe. Understand that everything you do and say is logged.