Effect of instant messaging on relationships

Our relationships and the effect of instant messaging on these relationships.

Instant messaging is a great communication tool that started on our computers over a decade ago and now has moved into our cell phones and portable communication devices as well. The ability to instantly talk via a form of 'e-mail' quickly became a hit with internet users all over the world and has completely transformed the way we communicate with loved ones, friends, family, and even new people we've met.

What effect has this had on our relationships and interactions with others? I think instant messaging like text messaging is a double edged sword. While it allows us to quickly and easily communicate with those that we want to communicate with, it also tends to take the personal level of communication out of the situation a bit. Some may state that instant messaging today allows us to communicate via video or voice through the instant message window, but true instant messaging is text based conversations. Even if one was to consider the video and voice features available, this kind of communication is still void of face to face contact that is key to our social interactions overall.

As a communications medium instant messaging works great as a middle ground between face to face communication and delayed communications such as email. We can keep in touch with instant messaging for free and can hold multiple conversations or even group chats at once. (The whole concept of multi-tasking and lack of focus on one conversation while on another conversation is a whole other problem altogether). It can be great for making plans with multiple people, catching up with old friends, exchanging information and more but one has to be careful not to replace old fashioned face to face socializing and phone calls with the faceless communications of instant messaging.

I think overall though that instant messaging stands to actually strengthen many existing relationships one has by reducing the problems caused by distance, time, and money. Instant messaging's built in feature of away messages and status settings also helps us let others know where we are or what we are doing if they need to know (And again this issue of privacy, like the issue of multi-tasking are discussions for another day) and even can be used to announce tonight's latest social plan status.

As social beings we crave communication and interaction with others and I think that instant messaging can help satisfy those needs and keep us in touch with those we'd like to be in touch with. The only problem is making sure that instant messaging doesn't become one's only means of communication with those around them.