Chans are (generally) imageboards or textboards that encourage anonymous posting. From the early 2000s through the 2010s they were the primary drivers of internet culture, with most of the most popular memes originating there during this period. With smaller sites languishing in the shadow of the big five¹⁾ centralized social media sites, this is less true than it once was. Younger netizens generally have Tiktok being their primary influence these days.

Chan culture is generally irreverent, offensive, and cynical. A high value is placed on maintaining culture and free speech. Posting without lurking²⁾ will draw insults, bans, sage bombs, or just being ignored.

Some living chans

• https://4-ch.net/4ch.html – A textboard that predates 4chan.org
• https://bus-stop.net A unique chan where posts only live for 24 hours
• https://lainchan.org - Lets love lain!
• https://sushigirl.us - An imageboard that fosters a cozy environment³⁾
• https://afternoon.dynu.com/read/1516687002 - A textboard that desends from Ykkaria/Afternoon Cafe (http://archive.is/l8wT4), which descend from YKK threads on 4/a/, which descend from an ancient ykk forum (http://wakaba.c3.cx/ykk/misago/)