For the first time, browsing 4chan can be overwhelming.The Random board has images and language that would offend or disgust most people.Constructive discussions about useful topics can be found on other boards.Clicking on a title you find interesting will take you to the 4chan home page.To get a feel for its culture, browse its threads.Don't click on strange links, follow advice that seems unsafe, and never post personal information on 4chan or any other online forum.
Step 1: The list of boards can be found on the home page.
Go to the 4chan homepage.You can find a description of the site and a list of boards.Since 4chan does not have a system of usernames and passwords, you don't have to sign up before browsing.
Step 2: The rules and FAQ can be read.
There are links to the rules and FAQ on the home page.It is worth your time to learn about them in order to prevent getting banned if you plan on posting anything.According to the rules, you must be at least 18 years old to access the site.You can't post anything illegal or complain about 4chan policies.If you post in a board that deals with specific content, like technology, your post has to relate to that board's topic.
Step 3: If you click on a board, you agree to the disclaimer.
Before you can browse a board, you have to agree to a disclaimer.Random, or /b/, is the most popular board on the internet.Pornography, gore, and other offensive content will almost certainly be found on the Random board.There are many other topics to browse if you are not interested in that kind of imagery.Technology, Video Games, and Paranormal have interesting conversations on their topics.Issues like coming out, transitioning genders, and marriage rights are covered by LGBT.The automotive, fitness, and do it yourself board can offer constructive content.
Step 4: You can browse through the pages.
Use the page numbers at the bottom of the first page to navigate other pages.When you are just starting out, uselurking or browsing without posting.Lurking a board's threads for two or three weeks will help you get a feel for its culture and vocabulary.
Step 5: The boards can be found at the top of the page.
You'll see a list of letters and abbreviations at the top of the page once you're in a board.There are links to 4chan's other boards.You can use these links to get to another board.If you hover over a letter or abbreviation without clicking it, a tooltip will appear, letting you know which board it links to.For example, there are links to the Technology board, auto and do it yourself.
Step 6: You can use catalog or archive views.
The board's original posts and top five replies are shown in the standard view.Clicking on the catalog link above the board's first post will give you a single-page gallery view of all the posts.Clicking on the archive link will show you a list of expired posts from the last three days.
Step 7: You can search a thread for an original post.
On the standard view, you can enter a phrase into the search bar.There are options to sort the posts by date or popularity in the catalog view of your search results.The search bar is located at the far right of the screen.If you want to start a new search or see the full catalog of posts, type your search term in there.
Step 8: To find an image's source, use the image search feature.
You can find out where an image came from by pressing the grey triangle after the thread title.When you click on it, you will be able to image search through IQDB.Save or suck an image if you are interested in it.After a few days, posts on 4chan disappear.
Step 9: Look for new words.
Slang words, phrases, and abbreviations are common on 4chan.Many boards have their own unique jargon.When you find a new word, meme, or thread, look for it on the internet.
Step 10: It's a good idea to steer clear of upsetting content.
Random and Politically Incorrect are two boards that are filled with racial slurs and Nazi imagery.Pornography and other adult topics are dealt with by other board titles.Racist, white supremacy, and political Extremism are some of the things that 4Chan has become notorious for.A place that can "incubate" far-right terrorists has been described.If you want to show work safe boards only, you can use the drop down menu at the top of the list.
Step 11: Don't give out personal information.
Don't give out personal or contact information on online forums.4chan won't give you or another user with anyone's contact information and encourages anonymity.If you need to ban or give information to authorities, 4chan can keep a record of your Internet Protocol address.
Step 12: Don't click on links you've never heard of.
Clicking on a strange link could lead to the download of a virus.If you see external links on 4chan, don't click on them.According to the rules, the images can only include sound, document, or other data if you click on them.
Step 13: You should not follow unsafe advice.
Sometimes 4chan posts encourage viewers to do unsafe things.Readers were suggested to microwave their cell phones in order to get a hidden feature.When in doubt, don't try it at home when you see a thread offering advice.