Visiting 4chan for the first time is an experience that can overwhelm you. Some sections, like Random, are full of pictures and phrases that can offend or disgust most people. Others, such as Auto or Technology, contain constructive discussions about useful topics. Visit the 4chan main page to see the complete list of sections and click on a title that you find interesting. Observe the discussions so that you learn the jargon used and the culture of the community. Do not click on strange links, do not follow advice that seems unsafe, and never post personal information on 4chan or any other online forum.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Go to Sections
Step 1. Visit the homepage to view the list of sections
Open the 4chan main page. You will see a brief description of the site and the complete list of sections. Since 4chan does not provide the possibility to log in with a username and password, you do not need to register before starting to consult the site.
Step 2. Read the rules and frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You will find links to these resources under the site description on the homepage. If you are going to post something, you need to know these rules, so as to avoid getting banned.
For example, according to the rules you must be at least 18 years old to access the site. You cannot post or discuss illegal activities, you cannot advertise and you cannot complain about 4chan's policies. If you post content in a section that deals with a specific topic, such as technology, your post must be related to that area
Step 3. Click on a section and accept the disclaimer
The first time you click on a section, you must accept a disclaimer before you can use the site. The most used section is Random, or / b /, known to be the source of many memes that become popular on the internet. Note that you will almost certainly encounter pornography, violent images, and other offensive content. If you are not interested in that type of content, there are many other sections to visit.
- Technology, Video Games and Paranormal are full of interesting conversations on their respective topics.
- LGBT deals with issues related to sexuality, such as going out, changing sex and the right to marry with surprising seriousness.
- In the Auto, Fitness and Do It Yourself sections you can find useful content related to the automotive, fitness and DIY world.
Step 4. Navigate through the pages of a section
Read the discussions on the first page, then use the numbers below to open the others. The first few times you use the site, just observe and don't publish anything. After 2-3 weeks of attending a section, you will have learned about its culture and the jargon it uses.
Step 5. Browse the sections using the lettered links at the top of the page
Once you open a section, you will see a list of letters and abbreviations at the top: these are links to the other sections of 4chan. You can use them to reach a different section directly, without returning to the main page of the site.
- If you move the mouse over a letter or abbreviation without clicking it, an indication of which section it is will appear.
- For example, / g / is the link to the section dedicated to technology, / or / to the Auto section, / diy / to Do It Yourself.
Method 2 of 3: Explore Sections in Depth
Step 1. Use catalog view or archive view
The standard view mode shows the original posts (OP) of a section and the five best replies to each post. You can click the "Catalog" button above the first post on a page to view a gallery of all unanswered OPs. By clicking the "Archive" button, instead, which is next to the "Catalog" one, you will see the list of posts closed in the last three days.
Step 2. Search for a discussion
You can enter keywords in the search bar of the standard view to filter posts. The search results will appear in the catalog view, along with options to sort them by date or popularity. In catalog mode, the bar is located at the far right of the window. Type the search terms in the field to start a new search, or delete what you have written to view all posts.
Step 3. Use the image search feature to find the source of an image
If you want to find out where an image comes from, you can press the gray triangle after the title of a discussion. Once clicked you will have the possibility to do an image search on Google or IQDB.
If you are interested in an image, consider saving it or taking a screenshot. Posts on 4chan disappear after a few days
Step 4. Look for terms you don't know
On 4chan, slang words, phrases and abbreviations are often used. Furthermore, many sections develop a unique way of communicating. When you come across an unfamiliar term, meme, or discussion, search for it on Google or the Urban Dictionary.
Method 3 of 3: Browse Safely
Step 1. Avoid sections with content that can offend you
Some sections, like Random and Politically Incorrect, are full of content that many people would find offensive or disgusting. Others explicitly indicate in the title that they deal with pornography and other adult topics.
You can use the filter menu at the top of the section list and select "Show Work-Safe Boards Only". You can also use the same menu to view only sections not suitable for workplaces ("Show Not Safe For Work Boards Only")
Step 2. Do not disclose personal information
Never disclose your personal or contact information on 4chan or any other online forum. 4chan encourages anonymity, does not allow contact requests and does not provide the contact information of any of its users.
Note that 4chan may take note of your IP address and, if necessary, use it to prevent you from using the site or disclosing that information to the authorities
Step 3. Don't click on links you don't recognize
If you did, you could download a virus or malware. Do not click on any external link you find on the site. You can click on the images themselves to enlarge them or if you want to save them without worrying, because, according to the rules, the images cannot contain sounds, documents or other data.
Step 4. Don't follow unsafe advice
In some cases, you'll find posts on 4chan that encourage readers to try out clearly unsafe activities. For example, a 2014 post suggested that users put their cell phone in the microwave to unlock a hidden feature. Use common sense when you see a discussion offering advice, and if in doubt, don't try to follow it.
