IM'ing: What's up with that?

Posted 11/22/04
BY JOHN DO

“So do you have AIM?”

"Yeah, what's your SN?”

You've probably heard this conversation before. The chatting program developed by America Online (AOL) has a great influence on teenagers today. What is most interesting about online chatting is that it has taken storm over the more traditional form of communication: the telephone or even letter-writing.

With just a couple clicks of the mouse, one is able to instantly communicate to friends or meet new people.

Compared to the restricted three-way calling from phone lines, AIM allows multiple interactions with others. It also compares to its relative, e-mail. Although both function similarly, IM'ing emphasizes instant messaging.

The advantages of IM'ing have made AIM well liked, but teenagers constantly chat and instant message, even while studying and working on projects. In turn, their desire to chat distracts them from more important issues.

Moreover, people can't identify the other person they're talking to. For instance, a person “xSTUDx” can make anyone believe that he's a real hunk. He could end up being the nerdy, suspender-wearing boy sitting in the back of your third-period class, or even worse, a complete stranger.

There have already been several cases in the nation where teenagers have met people across the nation through chat rooms, only to end up raped or killed.

Thirteen-year-old Kacie Woody from Arkansas was one of the victims. After IM'ing a man who claimed to be 18, he confronted her in her home. Kacie's struggles were of no avail, as she was found dead in a parked van a few days later.

But parents are most concerned that IM'ing takes away more meaningful activities (yes, you know it), studying.

I think it's great that AOL has delivered such a reliable and convenient program, but only to a certain extent.

Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that telephone is the best method of communication. You pay attention to the person on the other line, since there's no such thing as an “Away Message.”

Conversing on the phone also builds character, because you can't type any pre-fabricated mumbo-jumbo . You actually talk with the person on the other line. But if chatting on the phone isn't your thing, hang out with your friends. There's your IM'ing, buddy list, and chat rooms!

AIM has made a good impression upon the world and is planning to stay. But, as a wise man once said, “Everything in moderation.”

Too much AIM could be a bad thing.