Perhaps you have heard it � that incessant twinkly sound that occurs every few seconds when a teenager is on the computer. It is the new, favored method of communication (by teens, that is) � instant messaging. Comprised of rapid-fire, nearly incomprehensible messages sent relatively quickly over the distance of cyberspace, instant messaging � or IM, as it is generally called � lets one talk to numerous people at a time. IM allows people to talk for hours, uninterrupted (no worries of tying up the phone line), except for the occasional inevitable computer freeze. Nothing redefines �multitasking� as much as when one is having five simultaneous conversations online and doing the next day�s schoolwork at the same time. Indeed, as I write this, I am discussing the evils of assigned busy work, complaining about copious amounts of homework, chatting about random things that don�t bear repeating, and giving long-distance relationship advice.

Our online conversations are peppered with little expressions like �lol� (laughing out loud, or lots of laughs) �brb� (be right back), �g2g� (got to go) and other such acronymic nonsense. Instant messaging also has the disturbing ability to turn well-versed, intelligent people into atrocious spellers � �definitely� turns into �definatly,� �you� into �u,� �are� into �r,� �because� into �cuz.� Tenses and possessive forms are sacrificed for the sake of speed, and typos run rampant.

Punctuation and capitalization are also forgotten. Being so brisk in exchange of comments, messages typed through an instant messaging program tend to be short and choppy, more like thoughts put into words than well-crafted sentences. My friends and I like to joke that a person�s amount of time spent on IM programs can be concluded from their insistence on using proper grammar while chatting online. After spending an undue amount of time instant messaging people, normal grammar conventions go out the window.

Despite the seemingly incoherent exchanges, I think instant messaging is a wonderful way to stay in touch. Thanks to buddy lists (an electronically active list of online friends), I always know when friends are online and available to talk. No more playing phone tag for days on end to contact a person I will chat with for less than fifteen minutes. I find this especially handy, as I seem to have developed a phone-phobia over the years. I am convinced that I turn into a babbling, incoherent mass of flesh and words when on the phone � though everyone likes to assure me that I do not. Conversations can last for a minute but are never awkward because everyone accepts the fact that others are vaguely preoccupied. What would be uncomfortable lapses in conversation while on the phone are only breaks perfect for playing computer games when talking online.

Talking online lets me keep in touch with friends from all over the place. I can chat with my crazy friends from the creative writing camp I went to this past summer, who are now scattered all across the state. It lets us continue our silly foolery, discussing all manner of bizarre topics all the time (being the computer addicts that we are) even though we�re no longer staying in the same dormitory.

Many of my friends stay logged on nearly all the time, merely putting up an �away message� � the Internet equivalent of an answering machine � when they aren�t available. I can IM my boyfriend and leave goofy messages for him; I can ask friends if they would like to hang out later in the evening.

I have no doubt that IM has helped imbue me with a social life. With such a simple way to communicate, plans for activities are developed quickly. As I tend to be on the online when not out and about, doing things, I generally end up being included in such plans. Talking on the Internet has also let me become friends with people I probably wouldn�t be as close to otherwise, so now I have friendships I value that I am sure never would have come into being otherwise.

Ah, twinkle twinkle, there it goes again. Well, I have g2g!

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