A chat feature in which messages are written and sent by a real human, rather than generated by software. On fan and subscription platforms, it usually refers to direct messaging between a creator and a subscriber, sometimes with paid or priority tiers.
As chatbot apps have grown more convincing, some platforms now label human conversations to set them apart from automated ones. For a subscriber deciding where to spend money, that label is often the whole selling point.
Also called: human chat, real chat, live chat, 1-on-1 chat, direct message, DM
