Instant Message

Jose Caraballo

To instant message is an instantaneous, written text communication,  via online programs such as Google Talk, Jabber, ICQ, MSN instant messenger, or AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), and to more modern applications, such as Skype, that incorporate instant chat as well.

The basic features of modern instant messaging programs are extremely similar: after downloading an instant messaging program, a user sets up an account, usually consisting of a screen name (a made-up name through which others can contact the user) and password to provide access, and providing basic information such as an email address, and perhaps a phone number or real name. With this basic account information (screen name, password), a user could access their account from any location.

While instant messaging is helpful in multitasking online, as well as handling multiple conversations simultaneously, it is useful only when other users share the same program. A user on AIM cannot contact a user through other programs, such as Jabber. Users can search for other users by doing a search either by email address, or if a screen name is known, then by searching through screen names.

Once screen names are found, users can  organize their contacts, customizing the program for easy access and interactivity; the interactivity, as noted, extends beyond written chat. Users can share files, pictures, shorts clips, songs, or hold conference chats, save logs of their communications, and even engage in video and voice chat.

Recently, websites such as Myspace, Facebook, and Gmail (and programs accessed through Google Accounts) have incorporated instant messaging capabilities, instantly adding new contacts into a user's account and noting that contacts activity (whether a contact is idle, busy, etc.). In this way, to instant message is yet another online tool that is synonymous with instant accessibility with users, regardless of their physical location.