Why I hate IM
I’ve never liked IM (instant messaging). I’ve never formed a friendship over it. I’ve never advanced existing friendships over it. Now, I’ve found it pretty useful, sure. It helps me keep in touch with coworkers and existing friends.
But I’ve always been so nervous when using IM. Perhaps not as bad as this, but I always worry so much about missing important cues. Does the person really want to talk to me, or are they responding out of politeness? What does it mean when the person doesn’t initiate conversations? How often is often enough, and how often isn’t? I always end up feeling neglected by the people I chat with, or pushy for talking so much, or like I’m holding up all the effort in the conversation. Now, according to some, this makes me paranoid. But am I, really? Well, probably.
August 1st, 2006 at 13:25
I met, courted and proposed to my wife on IM. Go figure.
August 1st, 2006 at 13:29
I applaud your superior … lack of paranoia?
August 3rd, 2006 at 10:10
Well, it was a weird time for both of us. I doubt that the medium is well-suited for such relationship building generally; we got lucky.
August 7th, 2006 at 0:07
It’s odd - I used to find IM a great way to interact with friends for a long time, but nowadays I don’t so much. I think I just don’t have time, but then when I do try to catch up it feels kind of how you describe. I’m often the one to initiate contact rather than vice versa.
BTW, got here via SL4, you’ve got some interesting stuff here and will read some more when I get the chance.