Jon Sherrick
Erin Voss
Instant Messaging
September 4, 2008
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging is a tool that allows users to communicate via the internet using third party software. These messages are delivered instantly and are often very convenient. Instant messaging, as we know it, began in the late 80’s and soon after American Online was developed. During the past years instant messaging has not changed a large amount. However, current applications have been enhanced. For example, Apple’s iChat is a new application that allows users to instant message one back and forth while they can see each other on the built in webcams. Also, some of the other topics assigned include instant messaging applications such as Skype and Google talk. Mobile phones have also added instant messaging applications which allow cellular users with internet capabilities to send and receive instant messages using different software packages.
How Instant Messaging is Impacting Our Culture
In recent years instant messaging has become more prevalent in the work place. A 2003 article in the New York Times states that the instant messaging generation is taking the technology with them to the work place. This has created opportunities as well as weaknesses with in the work place. These advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in further detail, but some of them are the instant ability to communicate with others and the ability to multitask. Some disadvantages of instant messaging in the work place are the difficulty to monitor usage and the temptation of communicating with friends and family while on the job. Some employers have gone so far as to keep records of all instant message conversations of employees. Some employers have eliminated instant messaging all together.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are both advantages and disadvantages involved in the use of instant messaging as a form of communication. One key advantage is convenience. Instant messaging is quick, easy, and non-evasive. It is a huge time-saver, allowing for quick messages to be exchanged without face to face interaction, waiting for an email response, or making a phone call. Along with being quick and easy, instant messaging is also non-evasive, permitting users to make contact with each other without feeling as though they are a nuisance.
Other advantages of instant messaging include file transfer, contact lists, simultaneous conversations, group chat, keeping in touch with friends and family, impromptu social meetings, and various business uses. Some common business uses are quick questions and clarifications, coordinating and scheduling tasks, and group chat.
The business usages of instant messaging lend themselves to numerous disadvantages. For companies who do not effectively manage and support the use of instant messaging, risks and liabilities such as security risks, compliance risks, inappropriate use, and intellectual property leakage are present. Another big concern with instant messaging is the fear of losing employee productivity. However, studies have found that only 13% of instant messaging conversations contained personal information, and only 6.4% were exclusively personal.
Another major disadvantage to instant messaging is miscommunication. Without the verbal and nonverbal contextual clues of a face to face interaction, the message can easily be misinterpreted. Text can be a read a variety of different ways, and meaning is often lost or misconstrued.
Discussion Questions
- What do people use instant messaging for? Upon reflection of my own use of instant messaging, I’ve realized that for me, it has changed over the years. In high school, I tended to use it to have longer conversations with friends. Now I mainly instant message for quick clarifications on homework assignments or to meet friends for dinner. My job decided to ban it, so I do not use it for business purposes. What do you use instant messaging for and how has your own usage changed over the years?
- How do you feel about instant messaging in the work place? Some believe it allows for convenient communication, contributing to the productivity, while some believe it is only distracting to the employees and can create a decrease in productivity. Do you feel that instant messaging has a positive or negative effect in the work place? Why?
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