Instant Messaging and Text Messaging

 

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging (IM) programs coordinate real-time chatting between members of a “buddy list” or “contact list” who are online at the same time. Most popular IM software programs (e.g., AOL Instant Messenger^®, Yahoo! Messenger^®, MSN Messenger^®, ICQ^®) are available to download for free.

• Because IM is instantaneous, grammar and usage often fall by the wayside in favor of fast communication and use of abbreviations and symbols. When chatting with friends, the “rules” of grammar, spelling, organization, and coherencecan be loosened (but not utterly disregarded).

• Some workplaces have instituted IM as a standard means of interoffice communication. When using IM in a professional or business context, remember that the rules of professional or business email apply.

 

Your Screen Name

When you open an IM account, you’ll be asked to pick a screen name. When choosing a screen name, keep in mind that it may become a part of your online identity.

• Avoid lewd or offensive screen names.

• Don’t assume identities that don’t reflect reality.

• For reasons of privacy and safety, avoid using your full (legal) name as a screen name.

 

Text Messaging

Many cell phones, palm organizers, and other wireless gadgets offer text messaging, a feature that allows users to send and receive short messages to or from other phones, or receive email messages from a computer to a phone.

• Always remember to be courteous when sending or reading text messages. Ask yourself: would I answer my cell phone here? If the answer is no, you probably shouldn’t be text messaging either. Receiving single text messages, if done discreetly, and acknowledging their receipt, if necessary, is usually acceptable.

• When text messaging is OK: between classes, as a passenger in a car, at home

• When text messaging is not OK: during class, while driving a car, in a meeting