Instant Messaging (IM)

How do adolescents use it?

Adolescents may use Instant Messaging (IM) programs to:

Chat with their friends (e.g. make plans together, talk about interests, likes, dislikes, etc.). Adolescents may use various chat lingo when conversing with those on their “friend” list.
Send pictures or videos. Some IM programs even allow the use of webcams.
Play games with those individuals who are on their “friend” list.
Display their interests such as their favourite band to those on their “friend” list.
Send emoticons to those on their “friend” list.

Some adolescents may bully peers via IM programs.