Is Instant Messaging De-Valuing Relationships?

Instant Messaging, made popular by programs such as Microsoft MSN Messenger, ICQ and Yahoo Messenger is defined by Dictionary.com (www.dictionary.com) as being; "the transmission of an electronic message over a computer network using software that immediately displays the message in a window on the screen of the recipient".

Instant Messaging is promoted as being "real time", virtually destroying the need to communicate face to face with friends, family and associates. It is possible for people of the "old generation", generation X to remember the days before the internet, where communication was conducted over the telephone. Now, instead of asking for someone's phone number, it is common place for individuals; mostly teenagers, to swap email addresses so instant messages may be exchanged.

This isn't necessarily a disadvantage. Now it is possible for friends from long distance to keep in touch, in real time. A long distance phone call can be expensive for friends to communicate from long distances, however for the price of a local call, friends can communicate with ease, and all it takes is a computer, internet connection and an instant messaging program. It is this simple fact that makes instant messaging programs so popular.

But is this popularity of the instant messaging programs a positive or negative ideal?

Instant messaging programs allow for friends to virtually be able to remain in contact at any time of the day; providing they are "online". It is possible to argue though that individuals are virtually accessible at any time of the day regardless of instant messaging programs, with mobile phones becoming integral part in any teenagers and 20- something's life. Mobile phone calls however can be expensive with varying rates between service providers that can lead to lengthy and expensive phone bills. A cheap internet service provider can solve this issue with messaging programs being free and easy to use.

Social interaction between individuals builds confidence and life skills. Instant messaging programs eliminate the face to face interaction between people. Therefore it is reasonable to suggest that using instant messaging, then confidence and social skills are lost with its use. Individuals may find it hard to interact with others socially, having the ability with instant messaging programs to think, formulate and change answers before they are communicated.

Real-life situations

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about The effect of instant messaging on relationships?
We want to hear your view. Write now!