Instant Messenger

Research Paper # 60092

Advertising
Communication
Computer and Technology

Instant Messenger

Questions whether instant messaging is a pop culture phenomenon or an evil plot for global domination.

4,100 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2004 United States

Paper Summary:

An exploration of AIM and how it affects college students, life in general, mass media, and an exploration of the addiction to instant messaging.

From the Paper:

"It is more addictive than nicotine, more prevalent than marijuana; it drives distracted students to the library and sends compulsive socialites home with failing grades, and its synonymous with college life. No, the culprit is not beer, it is not sex...this evildoer is Instant Messenger (IM). College students today live in a world where homework assignments often require Internet access, email messages replace phone calls to distant friends and family, and relationships sometimes start - and end- via instant messenger. Every morning, I begin my day not by brushing my teeth, or eating breakfast, but by checking my status on AOL Intsant Messanger (AIM) and posting a new away message. I use AIM to talk to my brother in Holland and to my housemate in the next room. I use it while procrastinating on homework, and to make dinner plans for the evening. I use it to flirt with my newest crush, and to stalk my ex-boyfriend. And, almost everyone else I know uses it."