EOTO 1:The Evolution of Instant Messaging

Instant messaging or IM is something that we all use all day, everyday. I am sure almost all of you have already sent multiple text messages today. We have many ways to connect to people instantly on our cell phones today  like text messaging, social media DMs, email and more. It is a very efficient way to get instantly in touch with anyone in the world. It is easy to use since we all have access to instant messaging on our phones, computers, tablets etc. People use Instant Messaging as a way to get in touch with someone in real time online. It is crucial for personal communication and work related communication. But where did it all start? 

In 1971 IM was invented as a chat function on a government computer. A computer scientist named Murry Turoff created Instant Messaging for emergency uses in order to efficiently send information back and forth as a safety feature. The first time it was used was during the Nixon administration in order to survey messages between government officials concerning inflation and price control. The US government used this system for communication until 1986. 

In 1988 is when Instant Messaging started becoming what we know today. It all started on AOL or American Online. AOL was a website that allowed people to connect with their friends and family all in one place. The network would let you know when a friend was online so you could enter a chatroom with them and talk. AOL instant messaging or AIM became very popular in 1997 with the rise in popularity with the internet. The want for these instant messaging programs grew like crazy which led to a lot of websites that allowed for real time conversation over the internet. By the early 2000s there were many different software that had Instant Messaging.

Although Instant Messaging is obviously a very useful tool there are some negative effects. Instant messaging could lead to less in person communication. This is because it is so easy to just send a text with everything you need to see so there is less need to meet up and discuss things with people in person. Instant Messaging has also become a distraction from everyday tasks, work, school and more. However these downsides are all up to individuals being careful and being engaged in their lives. I think Instant Messaging is a mostly positive thing that we all have grown to need everyday whether it is for personal or business usage.