Email to IM Evolution

(EXC 1)

Carrier pigeons at one time were rapid communications and the pony express, well was express. Connecting loved ones, bridging the gap, conducting business, and building bonds between nations. We have been attempting to improve communications for decade. How can we make it faster, more intimate, and thoughtful? How can we stay connected? As technology has advanced we have seen out communication evolved to making communication work for us.

Wai-Yu Lo found in a 2009 study, that “a majority (78%) of the 236 respondents indicated that they would choose IM instead of e-mail… These findings provide solid evidence to indicate the gradual switch in CMC preference from e-mail to IM over the past few years – at least among college students.” (1) Does that match what are other people saying about the difference.

Anne Zelenka writes on GIGAOM, Why Instant Messaging is Better for Collaboration than Email:

• IM doesn’t allow for overthinking and overjudging of ideas–it’s too fast.
• IM avoids email-induced “cc-itus.”
• IM reduces chances of misunderstanding.
• The wisdom of IM…that if you aggregate individual decisions and ideas, you’ll get better results.
• IM flattens the hierarchy.
• IM isn’t perfect. It can be abused…

Ohio State says “of computer-using workers indicates that instant messaging in the workplace simultaneously promotes more frequent communications and reduces interruptions.”

I do think that it matches what the study concludes. IM is quick and connects you to your family and friend real time. In 2010 study IM was compared to Facebook “Facebook is perceived as a leisure pastime where one can connect with friends, whereas IM is more useful for social and emotional support. IM tends to support best dyadic exchanges characterized by intimacy and a deep level of engagement…” (2)

Considering that Facebook has its own IM function, I think it does satisfy that instant connection. I took it to the street for some informal information and I spoke with people that use IM for daily business. I got mixed answers, of the people I asked there was a sense of with rapid communication there comes expectations of rapid response and that is not always practical. It appears that there is a clear benefit to interpersonal communication in from an emotional aspect, but an added level of stress from a business stand point.

Page Webb blogs, “There have been days when I log on, and I immediately get three IMs…that’s before I even check email or check my calendar. It’s like the IM pop-ups and indicators are telling me there is a four-alarm fire somewhere. I’m hardly awake yet, but let me give you my attention towards nothing that is all that important at this very moment!”

I am sure that this was the case with email too, I recently spoke with an Executive Vice President for my company and she described email as rapid and instant. I am sure that is how it was described during early adoption. Email as a new technology was considered better than having to sort paper mail. Now it is noted as overwhelming and burdensome. As we speak IM is being replaced by new social technologies, and before those new technologies are adopted something new will be on its heels.

1. Effects of gratification-opportunities and gratifications-obtained on preferences of instant messaging and e-mail among college students. Telematics and Informatics, May 2009. doi:10.1016/j.tele.2008.06.001

2. Hogan, B., & Quan-Haase, A. (2010). Persistence and Change in Social Medi. In Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society (Vol. 30, 5th ed.). , Oxford: SAGE.

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