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Instant Messaging. Rosemarie Shortt Information Technology & Research March 6, 2004. Introduction. What it is & what it isn’t Is it just for kids What’s the big deal The good, the bad and the benefits Mind your Ps and Q’s. So, what’s the big deal?. Email without the lag time
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Instant Messaging Rosemarie Shortt Information Technology & Research March 6, 2004
Introduction • What it is & what it isn’t • Is it just for kids • What’s the big deal • The good, the bad and the benefits • Mind your Ps and Q’s
So, what’s the big deal? • Email without the lag time • So many friends takes so little time • Brings you closer to those far away • All you need is a connection
Everybody’s Doin’ it • 13 million teens • 274 million accounts • Workplace activity growing • Grandmas and WebTV
Why so popular? • Indispensable tool for teen socialization • Connects family/friends near and far • Efficient/effective means of communication • Less personal than phone/more intimate than email • Delivers work related messages to cohorts instantly
Pros • Real-time communication • Fosters friendships/reduces isolation • Offers options for many simultaneous conversations • Provides ‘safety barrier’ for shy/introverted • Cheaper than phone bills/quicker than mail
Cons • Can become obsessive – promote isolation • Dangers with strangers, dishonest, perverse • Distraction, nuisance • $$$ - not free • One dimensional – no face, voice
Unique Features • Screen names, Buddy lists • Profiles • Away messages • Business applications • Yu’ll LOL till POS
The Benefits Package • Efficient/productive communication • Enables multiple conversations • Encourages dialogue • Builds new skills • Means of creativity - self expression
Proceed with Caution • Know who’s on-line • Never give out personal info • All on-line relationships don’t equal friendships • Never meet a stranger • Encourage kids to ask for help
Know your ‘Netiquette” • Mind your manners • Be discreet • Check out group ground rules • Avoid swearing • DON’T USE ALL CAPS!!!