If you’re reading this you’ve probably used a computer before. In fact, I’d say it’s quite likely you have, since your probably reading this online. And you probably have an email address too. And if you are online, you’re not alone. In 2000 about 95 million people used the Internet in the U.S. alone. Out of that group 88% of adults and 73% of children, used email.
Most adults have heard of Instant Messaging and most preteens and teens have screenames or at least know someone who has a screenames. From AOL to MSN Instant messaging is a big part of the culture of many girls today. In case anyone doesn’t know, instant messaging is a program that allows users to create accounts with screenames. This allows them to “talk” to other people who also have screenames. These can be “chats” with three or more people “talking” or just two people. The amazing this about instant messaging is that, while it’s been used primarily as a social tool, it’s now spread to businesses as a tool for productive communication.
Teens and preteens use “IM” and social networking to stay in touch. When asked why she got instant messaging one 14-year-old girl said, “ Because in 6th grade everyone had it so I figured why not?” (Note: I actually used instant messaging to ask this question, for easier reading I’ve left out all “short cuts” or IM slang) In fact she said the same thing about Facebook. And that does seem to be very much the way that these kind of “connectors” spread. It becomes the cool thing to do, everyone has it. I was one the “late bloomers”, I got instant messenger when Facebook was just gaining popularity. The pressure to get AOL Instant Messenger (the provider of choice around my area) was a big part of it and so was the feeling that I was “missing out”. In middle school and even moving into high school, a lot of social “drama” occurs and a large percentage of it is online. It’s a way to stay in touch, but online determining someone’s mood can be quite a challenge.
While AIM is more about communication, Facebook is about sharing. Sharing pictures, plans, and “following up with new friends”. A lot of the people I talked to got AIM to stay in touch but most people get Facebook for different reasons. Originally, Facebook was a social networking site for colleges but soon it trickled down into high schools and now into middle schools as well. Generally, it’ used, not just to stay in touch but also to share. Pictures, plans, and people Facebook and sites like MySpace are meant not just to maintain but to connect. As one of my friends recently told me “Facebook should be used as a tool, not an activity.” Most people say it’s a way to make plans, get homework, and stay in touch with people who you can’t reach any other way. One huge difference between Facebook and instant messaging is that with Facebook everyone can see most of what people are saying. So all that information, gossip, plans, and pictures, is all out there. Though that maybe part of it’s appeal.
Social networking sites and instant messaging are just a few of the ways modern technology has reinvented the way that we stay in touch. Readily accessible, and better yet free, these are just too ways to keep in touch and stay connected.