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Instant Messengers |
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Instant Messengers have been able to provide internet users with a free and easy way to communicate instantaneously over the internet. There are many different programs available to the public that offer their services for free. The one major stipulation regarding instant messengers is that in order to talk to another person on-line, they must be using the same instant messaging program. There are four major programs that the majority of the instant messaging population use. These programs are AOL's AIM, MSN's Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and ICQ instant messenger. Of these four programs, AOL's AIM, carries the greatest amount of users. Internet News states that AOL has over, "6.5 million users on-line (internetnews)." Following AOL, MSN's Instant Messenger comes in second regarding its users. MSN has over, "5.3 million users (internetnews)." Yahoo! Messenger comes in third with, "3.7 million users (internetnews)." And finnally, ICQ comes in fourth, of the top four instant messengers, with, "1.1 million users (internetnews)."
A recent study shows that instant messaging is extremely popular with young adults aged 18-27. WebMetro News and Internet statistics states, "Exactly 62% of Generation Y Americans report using IM (WebMetro)." Of this 62% of young adults, "46% report using IM more frequently than e-mail (WebMetro)." Eulynn Shiu, a Research Associate at the Pew Internet Project states that, "It comes as no surprise that instant messaging is especially popular among younger Americans because many more of their peers subscribe to IM programs (WebMetro)." This goes to show that the IM community will continue to grow because more and more people choose to use IM in their everyday lives. These 18-27 year-olds will eventually get older, and the younger generation will continue to use IM making it larger that it is today.
After reading these user statistics, it is easy to see that no matter which one of these programs a person chooses to use, there will always be someone else using the programs that they would be able to talk to. The person's best course of action when deciding on which IM to use, is to find out who they want to be talking to. It is pointless to have an IM if you do not know anyone else who uses that IM. A person would do best if they were to find out exactly what program the majority of their friends or family are using. If everyone is using the same program, everyone would be able to communicate with one another.
These instant messaging programs offer their users the ability to communicate with one another without ever having to leave their home or even pick up a phone. All a person needs is a personal computer and an internet connection, to talk to millions of people on-line. This can have a downside regarding the way in which we communicate. One possible negative regarding instant messaging is mis-communication. At times it is often difficult to convey to another user feelings and emotions. Even though emoticons are available for these instant messengers, a little smiley face can only convey so much emotion. There are some conversations that should be had either in person, or atleast over the phone, where a person would be able to pick up on changes in voice and facial expressions. It can also be difficult to convey humor using only words. Sarcasm, for instantce, is nearly impossible to realize unless the user states that it is sarcasm. This can cause unwanted problems and misunderstandings. |
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Below are some links to the four most popular instant messenger with a brief description of the program. Feel free to click on the links to be taken to the corresponding website. |
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| AOL Instant Messenger |
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This is the most used of the different IM programs. The key to this program is that a user does not have to be an AOL customer to use the program. This is an extremely popular choice among teens. This program offers voice communication, the ability to send files to other users that are on-line, and of course the ability to chat on-line. This program is available to both Windows and Macintosh users, and most features are available for both. |
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| MSN Instant Messenger |
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MSN, like AOL, does not require the user to be a MSN customer. This programs is free to everyone. This program does not have all of the fancy features that many IM's are using today, but it does have Microsoft's kid passport system that requires parental interaction in order for the child to use the program. This, for many parents, would be a key feature when deciding on what IM to use. |
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| Yahoo Instant Messenger |
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Yahoo! Instant Messenger is very similar to AOL. It now offers the ability to voice chat. The special features that are included in this program that one can take advantage of if they have their own personalized Yahoo! page. These features include stock quotes, Mail messages, and calendar appointments. This program is also available to those using a PC or a Macintosh. |
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| ICQ Instant Messenger |
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This program is the last of the four largest IM programs. ICQ (I Seek You) is now owned by AOL, offering the same general usage. A few extra features are built into the program for those running Windows on their PC. The extras include pop-up reminders, the ability to change the skin of the program, and built in search features. This program is also available for both PC and Macintosh users, but the Macintosh version seems to be a little behind the PC version. |
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