Abstract: A computer-implemented method of using the Internet to promote goods and services and connect merchants with potential purchasers in chat groups who wish to obtain suitable sources of goods and services is provided, wherein a plurality of users each have a computer device provided with chat application software and software for accessing and interactively communicating via a computer network with a server provided with a search engine for searching the Internet. Users initiate a chat conversation among a group of users. One of the users invokes a search application using the search engine. The user conducts a search of the Internet for products or services, reviews the results of the search, selects a product or service located by the search, and shares the selected search result with the chat conversation. One of the users can order the selected product or service as part of the process.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of using the Internet to promote goods and services and connect merchants with potential purchasers in chat groups who wish to obtain suitable sources of goods and services is provided, wherein a plurality of users each have a computer device provided with chat application software and software for accessing and interactively communicating via a computer network with a server provided with a search engine for searching the Internet. Users initiate a chat conversation among a group of users. One of the users invokes a search application using the search engine. The user conducts a search of the Internet for products or services, reviews the results of the search, selects a product or service located by the search, and shares the selected search result with the chat conversation. One of the users can order the selected product or service as part of the process.

Abstract: A method of visually organizing multiple parallel chat topics on the display screens of mobile devices used in messaging conversations is provided. Visual media and external apps are integrated into such displays, by forming parallel orthogonally spaced chat threads, where preferably each chat thread has a visual element associated with it displayed in a visual display area. The different chat participants can each manipulate or interact with the visual element of any selected chat thread.