Instant gratification: Electronic communication evolves to combine mobility and technology
By Amy Chan
The prevalence of instant messaging seems to make lives easier and a bit more fun as students do their homework on the computer. Yet has instant messaging become so popular that chatting online has taken over the conventional land line telephone? America Online a.k.a. AIM and Microsoft's MSN messenger are among the most popular. According to NetworkWorldFusion.com, AIM claims over 100 million users.
Technology only seems to get better; AOL offers current news and stock market updates while chatting. In addition, members are able to insert picture icons and smiley faces in the text to express how they feel. A short hand language has even developed. LOL!
The question really is not which came first...the cell phone or the instant messaging, but more importantly which cell phone plan offers both in the same package. Yes, now you don't even have to be near a computer to message a friend. New cell phones now have instant messaging also. Why waste minutes? All an instant messaging program needs is a connection to the Internet.
Another new form of communication has also hit the mainstream: online friend networks. Fostered by the same supporters of the instant messaging crowd, networks such as Friendster.com and MySpace.com have made their way onto the most visited sites lists. Start by setting up a free account and joining as a member of someone else's friend network. The catch is that you must first receive an invitation from a friend letting you know about the network.
Basically, the network lists other people you know and you are able to invite more friends or accept more invitations from other friends. The key to the network is the idea that there are four degrees of separation between you and someone else in your friend network.
As the list grows, friends have access to post what they think about you online, which is called a testimonial. Best of all, you are able to post pictures, write public bulletins (announcements), send direct email messages, and of course instant message.
Sincerity is not even a concern because most fans of the online chatting would rather type out what they want to say. The sound of someone's voice on the phone is not totally forgotten. Instead the convenience of online chatting has helped establish it as a sincere form of communication.
Yet, are chat devices online more efficient than conventional telephones? Technically, yes. Online chatting is cheaper, no need to pay long distance charges. Plus these devices seem to be more fun in a window along side your homework.
Chat devices have not and will not wipe out land line telephones in the foreseeable future. Instead a combination of both exist; just in case one is off line or the other is out of the service area.