Abstract

As we know, nowadays, the world is a very easy way to communicate. Instead of the long waits of mailed letters, or the expense of a phone call, or even the long wait of sending multiple emails and replies, they have Instant Messaging.

As the name suggests, Instant Messaging, is a text-based computer conference over the Internet between two or more people who are online at the same time. When an instant message is sent, the recipient is instantly notified that he/she has a message. This has proven to be a very effective way of communication, and has grabbed the attention of many teenagers around the world.

However, Instant Messaging, like all man-made solutions to make life easier also has its pros and its cons. The pros, as we already have discussed in the above paragraph, obviously, provide an easier, faster, and more efficient way of communication in real time, and it is also free. What more could we ask for?

Unfortunately, Instant Messaging has become a major problem in today’s world, as teenagers are becoming increasingly addicted to it. It is not uncommon to see teenagers using Instant Messaging for prolonged periods of time, up to hours on end. Many parents think that Instant Messaging is distractive and disruptive. “Why do we need yet another distraction on our desktops? Isn’t the telephone, email and internet enough?” they say.

Our project explores these areas, how Instant Messaging is being used, risks of Instant Messaging, and how to counter them.

©The Probl(IM)s Group 2008