Instant Messaging

Webopedia (2012) defines ‘instant messaging’ as, “a type of communications service that enables you to create a kind of private chat room with another individual in order to communicate in real time over the Internet, analagous to a telephone conversation but using text-based, not voice-based, communication. Typically, the instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your private list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.” Some people may prefer to communicate via email, but sometimes even e-mail isn't fast enough. You might not know if a person you want to e-mail is near their computer or device at that very moment. Also, when you're e-mailing back and forth with someone, you usually have to click through a few steps. This is why instant messaging has become so popular and much more convenient for immediate messages. With instant messaging, you can keep a list of people you interact with most often. You can instant message with anyone on your contact list as long as that person is online. One you type messages to each other into a small window that message will show up on both of your screens. However, this is not the only feature that instant messaging provides. You can also create chat rooms with friends and co-workers, share links to websites, play sound, share files directly with friends, and it also provides mobile capabilities so that you may send instant messages from your mobile device. I personally am a huge promoter of instant messaging. For me it takes the place of emails when I need to get a quick message to someone. Many times sending an email can go hours without it being read, but instant message allows for immediate contact and response. Although I use it to connect with friends, I use it mostly at work to get quick answers or provide quick information.

Instant Messaging. (2012). Webopedia.com. Retrieved December 2, 2012 from

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/instant_messaging.html