Instant Messaging is following email and cellphone into the workplace, according to an NYT article:
Many IM users rave about the ability to do different things at their desks while also engaging in a continuing electronic conversation. But they say it is really the notion of “presence,” of being in constant peripheral contact with the cast of characters that defines one’s life, that makes IM such a powerful, intimate – and potentially burdensome – form of communication.
“IM-ing takes many of the virtues of e-mail and lowers the psychological costs of communication still further,” said James E. Katz. “It is extremely casual and easy, but in many ways it is more demanding.”
I still don’t use IM – maybe I should start. I have found it intrusive – prefer email and phone.
