Instant Messaging

by: Allen Robert

America Online released a study showing that across the country the use of Instant Messaging (IM) platforms has increased dramatically, especially at work.

According to The Second Annual Instant Messaging Trends Study, conducted by Opinion Research Corp. for AOL, almost 60% of respondents said they used IM, noting that the most common use was for keeping in touch with family or friends (92%). But in a sign of a growing trend, more than 27% of all IM users stated they used the platform while at work, a 71% increase from the year before.

According to those who said they IM at work, 70% said they use it for “business-related purposes,” with 44% saying it helps them get more done during the workday.

In addition to conversation and communication uses, the platform is also used by 27% of respondents to exchange files at work; 19% use it to exchange Web site addresses with coworkers; and 21% said they use it to set up meetings.

The survey also pointed to new advancements in technology allowing people to stay in touch even while out of the office. More than 34% of all IM users have deployed a mobile device, such as a PDA or cell phone, to IM another person, while 44% of those at work used a mobile device to send messages to colleagues or clients.

Perhaps the most surprising finding was that almost 30% say they send “as many if not more” IMs than e-mails, indicating a further push away from so-called “older” communications.