So imagine Skype - but with total strangers. I’ve already talked to folks from London (arguing over which British grocery store is better), kids from St. Louis University (who used to frequent the cafe where my band played), and a guy from Instabul who is moving to Miami this year to start a dance club (he’s a manager, not a DJ).

But beware, there’s a lot of folks who are looking for someone in particular to talk to. If you’re not their type, you’ll get the “next” treatment - people who don’t want to chat with you, after looking at your video feed and judging your appearance, can click “next” and talk to another random stranger.

Also beware of false video feeds. I got asked by a relatively cute Asian girl some pretty provocative questions. Before even thinking about answering them, I realized that her video was just a one-minute loop - I confronted “her” about and the prankster revealed himself as a guy.

The many people looking for a sexual swing on Chat Roulette don’t hide it - it’s pretty often that you happen upon a guy or girl who’s just sitting on their bed naked, waiting for you to take your clothes off too.

Try it though. And try not to spend hours on it.

—BALAJI