Naked internet chatting 'threat to morality'

A Chinese researcher has warned of a new threat to public health and morality - naked internet chatting. Up to 20,000 Chinese log on to chat rooms each night in various states of undress and communicate using webcams, the Shanghai Daily said, citing China Youth Association researcher Liu Gang.

"At first, we thought it was merely a game for a few mentally abnormal people. But as our research continued, we found the problem was much larger than expected." The report said participants chat online while exposing themselves and performing provocative poses.

"Child development authorities worry that baring one's body to strangers will have negative consequences on a youngster's personal growth," it said.