Instant messaging

it is a real time conversation and its a way of communicating with people. the text is conveyed via computers connected over a networksuch as the internet.

people use IM because-

• you dont have to wait for an email response or a call to be returned
• IM chats are often very casual and more informal
• IM take multi-tasking to a new level. phone calls, web surfing and IM can all be done simultaneously.
• also its free

Steps

1. Download it
2. make an account
3. make a profile
4. add people
5. have your friends to add you to their lists
6. start chatting

Instant messaging on the web

Facebook
chatroom
SMS
emoticons

Security concerns

• basic common sense applies
• do not give personal info to strangers
• don not give imporant stuff uch as pin numbers.

IM culture

short messages
spelling mistakes
being informal

Abbreviations

LOL-laugh out loud
BRB- be right back
BTW-by the way
GTG-got to go
AFK- away from keyboard