In a world where staying connected has become as essential as our morning cup of coffee, we often find ourselves pondering the question: how do we maintain meaningful relationships with the people who matter most in our lives? The answer lies not in smoke signals or carrier pigeons (though they do have their charm), but in something much quicker and easy – Instant Messages or IM for short.
Let’s face it, in our fast-paced digital age, life moves at the speed of a scrolling feed, and staying in touch can be a challenge.
Whether it’s keeping up with family, coordinating with friends, or collaborating with colleagues, the need for real-time communication has never been more obvious. And that’s precisely where instant messaging swoops in as the friendly neighbourhood hero of connectivity.
The Basics of IM
Before we dive into the world of instant messaging (IM) and all its advantages, let’s start with the basics.
IM, or instant messaging, is the digital descendant of passing notes in class, but with digital speed and convenience.
It’s having a virtual conversation with someone in real-time, except you don’t have to worry about your handwriting, spelling or passing notes discreetly.
What is Instant Messaging?
At its core, is a text-based communication tool that allows people to exchange messages instantly over the internet. You type, hit send, and within a blink of an eye, your message arrives at its destination.
Why IM Over Other Methods
So, you might be wondering, why choose IM over anything else like phone calls, emails, or carrier pigeons? Well, for one, IM offers a unique blend of immediacy and informality.
It’s perfect for those quick check-ins, spontaneous conversations, and even for sharing humorous GIFs without the need for a full-blown phone call.
In a world where we’re constantly juggling a multitude of tasks, IM helps us communicate on our terms. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of communication tools, with the right tool for every conversational occasion.
Is it IM, Chat or Text?
Is there a difference, and if so what?
Text
A text message or short message service (SMS) is the ‘classic’ option through a phone.
It’s mostly plain text sent through your phone signal. Which means that it doesn’t need a wifi connection, just a phone signal.
Of course today, we can send a bit more than plain text – emojis and emoticons.
Yes, we can send pictures, although that technically makes it a multimedia messaging service (MMS), and in case you didn’t realise, those aren’t normally part of your regular phone contract and often cost extra 😃.
Available through:
Any device with a SIM card – mostly mobile phones, but also some tablets.
Instant Messages (IM)
While similar to text messages, instant messages are sent over the internet and can include more than just plain text.
Called ‘instant’ because they are sent immediately to the recipient.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they are going to read and reply to it immediately. 🤣
Although we most often think of IM in regards to text and emojis, messages also sent in the form of voice and video are included in this list. Not forgetting that instant message can also share photos and files.
It’s no wonder that they’ve become our favourite option as they have a wider range of features.
We use a dedicated platform to send IMs, apps on phones or internet sites on computer devices.
Available through:
Any internet connected device, from smartphones through to computers.
Chat
This is the generic term to cover all the different types of messaging.
Similar to the generic term ‘file’ which includes documents, spreadsheets, PDF, images etc.
Chat refers to both text messages and instant messages.
However, chat can also refer to chat bots on the internet, that many companies use to automatically answer the most asked questions. Then it can also mean live chat to access support or assistance from various services.
Let’s not forget the ‘dictionary’ meaning of talking to another person or group of people. 😊
Available through:
A wide variety of options – any computer device, phone call and standing near/next to people.
Real-Time Communication
If you’re tired of waiting for email responses, playing phone tag, or sending out messages in bottles and hoping for the best, real-time communication is your new best friend. Instant Messaging (IM) takes the crown when it comes to delivering messages instantly and effortlessly.
The Speed of Now
Imagine this: you have an important question, a brilliant idea, or you simply want to say ‘hi’ to a friend.
You type your message, hit send, and boom! Your message is there in their chat window, ready for a response. There’s no waiting, no wondering if they got your message, and certainly no need to refresh your inbox.
Instant Responses
Real-time communication means instant responses – sometimes.
You don’t have to worry about waiting for hours or days to hear back from someone. The back-and-forth in IM is like a well-choreographed dance, with messages flowing seamlessly.
It’s as close to a face-to-face conversation as you can get in the digital realm.
Avoiding Miscommunications
Have you ever sent an email and realised too late that your tone might be completely misinterpreted, or your meaning misunderstood?
IM can minimise the risk of miscommunication because you can clarify your messages immediately. Emojis and GIFs are there to help express your emotions accurately, if you like using them.😋
On-the-Go Conversations
One of the benefits is that real-time communication isn’t confined to your desk or living room. With applications on a range of devices, although mostly smartphones and tablets you can chat on the go.
Whether you’re commuting, waiting in line, or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday in bed, you’re connected – as long as you have your phone.
Group Chats and Collaboration
IM isn’t just about one-on-one conversations; it’s a powerful tool for bringing people together virtually. The advent of group chats has changed the way we connect with family, friends, and colleagues. Plus, it’s a useful platform for collaboration.
Friends and Family
Group chats make it easy to stay connected with everyone at once. Whether it’s your college buddies, your extended family, or your childhood gang, you can have lively conversations, share updates, and plan events with everyone in a single group chat. It’s like hosting a virtual get-together whenever you please.
Workplace Collaboration
For professionals, group chats are a game-changer. In today’s interconnected world, remote work and collaboration are the norm. IM enables teams to create dedicated group chats, ensuring that everyone stays in the loop. Discussing projects, sharing documents, and brainstorming ideas become seamless when you have a virtual meeting room at your fingertips. No more lengthy email chains or scheduling endless meetings.
What are the most popular options for instant messages?
Facebook Messenger
Today, probably one of the most well known and potentially best used is the Messenger App from Facebook.
Meta (as they are now known) released the public version of Facebook in 2006 and it soon became a popular platform to connect, post messages, play games and throw sheep at your group of friends.
In 2008, Facebook added a chat facility, although the Facebook Messenger that we know didn’t arrive until 2011.
(Is anyone else feeling a bit old when you think that so much of this is heading towards 15 years ago? Just me then 😁)
Today, while you need a Facebook account to sign in, Messenger is available through its own platform and app, while still linked into the original website.
You may not think of LinkedIn when it comes to instant messages, but even as the more ‘professional’ platform, it can still be a social place.
Do you realise that LinkedIn was launched in 2003? I didn’t realise that until I looked it up.
Anyway, LinkedIn has a Messaging section that we think of for business use. It can be used for any type of message.
Hopefully a number of business colleagues will become friends over time. If LinkedIn is the connection that you’ve made, then you’ll use to to keep in contact.
I think that it’s fair to say that WhatsApp has become one of the most popular instant messaging options that is not part of a social media platform.
And that’s a distinction between WhatsApp and the two other options mentioned so far.
WhatsApp, although now owned by Meta (Facebook), isn’t’ directly linked to or accessed through a social media account.
Available through:
Smartphone, and can be used on a computer once connected to your smartphone account.
YouTube Video: How To Use WhatsApp With Your WebBrowser – Quick and Easy Tutorial
MS Teams
As I’ve already spoken about the use of IM for the workplace, I feel that I need to include MS Teams here as well.
MS Teams, with its release date in 2017, is actually the ‘youngest’ of the bunch. Although it is the replacement for Skype for Business (not for Skype, that remains for personal use), which replaced the last version of Lync (2013) around 2015.
While it does a lot, its main functions are about sending messages to colleagues.
From the section actually called Chat, for 1:1 or created groups of people, through to Posts in Channels.
Yes, it’s mostly for business use, but you can send messages to colleagues who are friends, and you can sign up for a free personal account with MS Teams if you want to use it for friends and family too.
Next Steps
I know that it’s likely that you already use some form of instant message app.
When was the last time you contacted that friend?
Sent message or emoji to a loved one?
Take a few minutes now, and use your favourite app or platform to send that message. Let someone know that you’re thinking of them.
Other Keeping in Contact Posts
Why IM is a great way to stay in contact (current post)
Audio Calls are better than phone for keeping in touch
Keeping in Contact with Video Calls
Voice memos are a great way to keep in contact
Using photos to share memories
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