Instant Messaging consists of sending real-time messages to another Internet user, much like text messaging on a cell phone; most popular among younger generations, IM is also commonly used in the workforce as a quick way for employees to communicate with each other. IM is comparable to chatting in a private chat room, but instead of anyone being able to join the conversation, IM includes only people whom the user has invited. Users can create a list to keep track of welcome guests, and IM sends an alert that pops up on the computer screen when a new message is received. To use instant messaging, it is necessary to open an account with an IM program, most of which are free; many programs require users to create a screen name so that the user can be identified by others. There are some risks affiliated with IM such as a computer catching a virus, personal information being stolen, or sex predators seeking victims; however, these risks can be reduced or avoided entirely when the proper precautions are followed...
Instant messaging falls under the umbrella term online chat, since it is also text-based, bi-directionally exchanged, and happens in real-time. IM is distinct from chat in that IM is based on clients that facilitate connections between specified known users (often using a contact list, buddy list, or friend list). Online 'chat' includes web-based applications that allow communication between users in a multi-user environment...
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