Instant Messaging (IM) as I remembered has really changed over the years. The first instance of IM’ing that I could remember, started with AOL Instant Messaging. After AOL, social networking websites such as Facebook offer IM as an alternate means of communication when visiting their website. Instant Messaging is the alternative to having a verbal conversation on a telephone or cellphone. It is called Instant Messaging because as long as both parties that are involved in the conversation are online than they are able to communicate with one another through text-based messaging. With the world increasingly becoming more mobile and technology dependent, text messaging became Instant Messaging.
In my life, I have had the pleasure of using skype. Because of being in the military and doing business meetings. I am very appreciative of the VOIP technology that has allowed skype to be such a powerful tool. the VOIP (Voice Over IP) technology but doesn't primarily have to be video chatting but it can be used as another telephone services that offer calling plans. Having VOIP service providers as primary options to see or talk with friends, family and coworkers. As long as VOIP exist, people who have to leave home for certain lengths of time can feel secure in knowing that they will be able to guarantee have some type of communication.