A system and method are provided for controlling a connection to an application server. The method comprises storing a chat state indicative of interactivity with a chat feature in a social networking application; detecting resumption of the social networking application subsequent to an interruption thereto; determining the chat state; and restoring the chat feature for the social networking application to the determined chat state. The method may also, upon detecting inactivity with respect to the chat feature, comprise executing one or more operations to maintain a connection with a server for the social networking application according to a first communications protocol. The method may also, upon detecting that a second period of time has elapsed subsequent to detecting inactivity, comprise receiving data associated with the chat feature according to a second communications protocol.