11. Instant messaging pros and cons
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Allows you to chat in 'real time' to other people who also have an IM client. |
As it is immediate, you have no time to reflect on the message you are sending, unlike an email where you can review the draft before sending. |
IM allows you to get on with other things and yet be in touch real time with connected friends and colleagues |
In order to provide a free service, the IM providers send adverts and popup windows to each person. If you want to avoid this, you need to pay for a 'premium' service. |
Useful for customer support contact instead of having to phone a support line. |
Unless you set up your IM client carefully, anyone can send you a message - not always a good thing. |
Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: Instant Messaging