<p>I am getting the message that the teens prefer to instant message over writing an e-mail or calling on the phone. If this is correct, what is the appeal of IM?
This is new to me (older parent). Thanks so much for explaining the appeal of IM.</p>
<p>some possible ones..
- Don't have to worry about interrupting someone
- Quicker than email
- No awkward silences on phones
- students are usually online all the time anyways (facebook, email etc)</p>
<p>A lot of people (with Macs) use iChat with video-conferencing capabilities. From personal experience, it is very polished and works very well; I'd recommend it.</p>
<ul>
<li>Easily carry on multiple conversations at once (sometimes 5+)</li>
<li>Do other things at the same time (while waiting for a reply, read the news or edit a paper)</li>
<li>See exactly what the other person's saying, copy & paste, save it, refer to it-- extremely useful for working on code, editing papers, sharing phone numbers, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>My mom loves iChat because she can "see how I'm doing." I'm not going to lie, it's better than when she made me trudge out to Tommy Trojan so she can see me on the TommyCam.</p>