IRC 【Internet Relay Chat】 is the oldest chat system in the Matrix.
It is an open chat protocol unlike the closed dimensions of today.
IRC allows for discussions across multiple Channels.
Channels within IRC are prefixed with a #.
For example: #football, #cats, and #tech-support would be communities that
Users within The Shadow Network might congregate within.
You may also have private, 1 on 1 conversations with Users.
You could even sprout your own communities within The Network.
Communities may also be forged beyond the Network from The Matrix.