Assignment 9 - AIM

Instant messenger programs are widely used in CMC. AIM is one of the more popular instant messenger programs. AIM has become a part of everyday life. When used appropriately it can speed up and aid in communication, when it is not, it can lead to problematic internet use (PIU). Although it is not as rich as face to face communication, FTF is not always possible. To get full advantage of AIM’s capabilities, I like many other people am always logged on if I am at my computer (which is most of the time). Unfortunately I also use my computer to study and often find it hard to keep AIM shut off or to ignore messages from people. In fact while writing this blog I am talking to a friend in China, a friend in St. Louis, and the guy in the room next door to me (which has caused this assignment to take a lot longer than it should have).

Now, I don’t feel that I suffer from self-perceptions of social incompetence. But there are many users of AIM out there that follow Caplan’s model and try to use CMC to avoid FtF communication. Caplan uses some of Walther’s theories in support of the idea that CMC facilitates hyperpersonal communication where people like the reduced nonverbal cues and the ability to edit before they send a message. In some cases, these feelings of low confidence can lead people to develop PIU issues. The preference for CMC leads to compulsive use of AIM and can result in people resorting to using AIM specifically to avoid face to face communication.

Many people, myself included will sign into AIM compulsively. I tell myself that I am doing it because either I can control myself or because it will help me get my work done faster, which is sometimes true. Sometimes I do work slower when I am signed in, however, I do not believe that I am using AIM excessively. I do not stalk away messages or profiles. When I am online talking to someone, I am doing something productive in some way, even if it is off topic. I would say in most cases something productive is being done. Excessive use begins when nothing is being accomplished through the use of the internet. PIU is not problematic unless someone is actually hurting themselves or others through this excessive use.