Browsing 4chan for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. Some panels, such as the Random panel, are filled with images and language that would offend or displease most people. Other panels, such as Automatic or Tech, contain constructive discussions on helpful topics. Visit 4chan's homepage to see its list of panels and click on the title you find interesting. Browse their topics or "spy" to get a feel for their slang and culture. Avoid clicking strange links, don't follow advice that seems unsafe, and never post personal information on 4chan or any other online forum.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Access the Dashboards
Step 1. Visit the main page to see the list of panels
Navigate to the 4chan home page. You will find a quick description of the site and a complete list of the panels. Because 4chan does not have a user and password system, you do not have to register for anything before browsing.
Step 2. Read the rules and frequently asked questions
You'll find links to the rules and FAQ pages just below the site description on the home page. If you plan to post something, it's worth getting familiar with the site to avoid getting banned.
For example, according to the rules, you must be 18 years or older to access the site. You cannot post or discuss anything illegal, advertise or complain about 4chan's policies. If you post to a panel that deals with specific content, such as technology, the post has to be related to the topic of that panel
Step 3. Click on the panel and accept the legal notice
The first time you click on the panel, you will be asked to accept the legal notice before you can navigate. The most popular panel is Random, o / b /, which is known for generating many common internet memes. Keep in mind that you will surely find pornography, gore, and other offensive content in the Random panel. If you are not interested in those types of images, there are many other topics to browse.
- Technology, video games, and the paranormal are filled with interesting conversations on their respective topics.
- LGBT covers topics like coming out, gender transition, and marriage rights with an unexpected degree of seriousness.
- The "auto", "fitness" and "do it yourself" panel can provide you with constructive content focused on these respective topics.
Step 4. Navigate the pages of a dashboard
Read the topics on the first page, then use the page number at the bottom to navigate other pages. Stick to "spicing" or browsing without posting, when you're just starting out. Spying on panel topics for two to three weeks will help you get a feel for the culture and vocabulary.
Step 5. Navigate dashboards using the alphabetic links at the top of the page
Once you are in a panel, you will see a list of letters and abbreviations at the top of the page. These are links to other 4chan panels. You can use these links to go to another panel without having to return to the main page.
- If you hover over a letter or abbreviation without clicking it, a tooltip will appear letting you know which panel you are linking to.
- For example, / g / links to tech panel, / o / links to automatic, and / diy / links you to DIY.
Method 2 of 3: Explore your dashboards carefully
Step 1. Use catalog or file view
Standard view shows the original posts for a dashboard or operational program and the top five responses. You can also click the catalog link just above the first post in the dashboard for a single page gallery view of all operating programs with no responses. Clicking the archive link next to the catalog link will allow you to see a list of expired publications from the last three days.
Step 2. Search a topic for an original post
You can type a keyword in the search bar in the standard view to filter the posts. Search results will appear in a catalog view, along with options to sort posts by date or popularity. In catalog view, the search bar is located in the right corner of the screen. Enter your search term to start a new search, or delete these terms to see the full catalog of publications.
Step 3. Use the image search function to find the source of the image
If you would like to find out where the image is coming from, you can press the gray triangle right after the title of the topic. When you click on it, it will give you the option to search for the image on Google Image or IQDB.
If you are interested in an image, consider saving it or taking a screenshot of it. The posts on 4chan disappear after a few days
Step 4. Look up unfamiliar jargon
There are several common slang words, phrases, and abbreviations throughout 4chan. Also, many panels have their own unique lexicon and jargon. When you come across an unfamiliar word, meme, or topic, look it up on Google or the Urban Dictionary.
Method 3 of 3: Browse Safely
Step 1. Stay away from annoying or extremist content
Some panels, like Random and Politically Incorrect, are filled with racial slurs, Nazi images, and other content that would be horrible to average people. Other titles on the panel note that they deal with pornography and other adult topics.
- 4chan has become prominent for racism, white supremacy, and political extremism. It has been described as a place that can "hatch" far-right terrorists.
- You can use the filter drop-down menu at the top of the panel list and select "Show only safe to work panels." You can also use this menu to select “Show only panels not safe for work”.
Step 2. Avoid giving personal information
Never give out any personal or contact information on 4chan or any other online forum. 4chan encourages anonymity, does not allow contact requests, and will not provide you or another user with someone's contact information.
Keep in mind that 4chan can track your IP address, and if necessary, use it to ban you or provide information to the authorities
Step 3. Don't click on unknown links
You could download a virus or malicious software by clicking on a strange link. Avoid clicking external links that you can see on 4chan. You can click on the images to enlarge them or to save them without much to worry, since, according to the rules, the images cannot include any sound, document or other additional data.
Step 4. Don't follow insecure information
On some occasions, 4chan posts encourage viewers to do obviously unsafe things. For example, a publication from 2014 suggests that readers should microwave their cell phone to activate a hidden function. Use your best judgment when viewing a topic that offers advice, and if in doubt, don't try it at home.
Advice
- Spy for a while before you start posting to familiarize yourself with the culture.
- Install the Greasemonkey plugin and download the 4chan X script to add various features to the site, such as automatic theme updating, displaying the suspended image, and more.