Instant Messaging , Text Messaging , And Picture / Video Messaging

Instant  messaging, text messaging, and picture/video messaging allow you to exchange short messages and small multimedia files with other online users . Instant messaging is a real-time internet communications service that notifiles a user when one or more people are online and allows the user to exchange messages or files or join a private chat room with those people . Text messaging is a service that allows users to send and recive short text  messages on a smart phone or PDA . Picture messaging is  a wireless messaging service that allows users to send picturesand sound files , as well as short text messages, to a phone , PDA , or computer, video messaging is a wireless messaging services that allows usrs to send short clips , usually about 15 secounds , in addition to all picture messaging services.

Personal Instant Messaging , Text messaging, And Picture/Video  Messaging: The Personal Perspective

Instant messaging often is used on desktop and note book computers . Text messaging and picture/video messaging typically are used on smart phones . Virtually instantaneous communication is possible with the forms of messaging. Figure 2 indicates some advantages, disadvantages, and good practices of using instant messaging , text messaging, and picture/video messaging in your personal life. Figure 3 shows some example of people using messaging.

Figure2

Personal Instant Messaging , Text messaging, And Picture/Video  Messaging Use

Advantages

Virtually instantaneous form of digital communications.

Fast , reliable , and popular method of digital communications.

Useful when you would prefer an immediate response from the recipient.

Allow you to carry on several conversations at any time.

Disadvantages

Can be addictive in nature.

Receiving constant stream of messages can be distracting.

May be very expensive on personal mobile devices.

Text messaging: Overuse may result in repetitive stress injuries(RSIs).

Good practices

Know the person with whom you are exchanging messages because e-mail often is used for online fraud and scams.

Keep in mind that any text , picture , or video you send can be sent to others by recipient.

When messaging with a new contact , do not share personal informational quickly.

Always reread your text messages and preview your pictures and video before  you send them.

Respect the status of others when they indicate they are busy .

Instant messaging: if the program allows you indicate your status to others , such as “busy” or “ DO not disturb,” use these indicators to let others know when you are unavilable.

Picture/video messaging: when sending picture/video messages, make sure that content is appropriate.

Figure 2  people use various types of messaging for different reasons.(where noted , some bullet points apply only particular technologies.)

Instant Messaging , Text Messaging , And Picture/ video Messaging: The Business Perspective

Businesses typically use more secure , feature – rich messaging programs that allows colleagues to collaborate , or work together , online .

Figure 4 indicates some advantages , disadvantages , and good practices of instant messaging , text messaging, and picture /video messaging use in business . Many of the notes listed in figure 3 also apply to the various forms of messaging in business. Figure 5 shows an example of business –level instant messaging software and video messaging at job sites.

Instant Messaging , Text Messaging , And Picture/ video Messaging use in business

Advantages

When use properly , greatly increases collaboration and communications because users have instantaneous access to each other.

All messages can be archived for retrievel  at  a later date or for meeting each other.

Immediate contact  with customers when allowed by company policy and agreed to by the customer.

Collaboration  with  geographically separated colleagues.

Instant  messaging : some programs allow conferences of several people at one time , eliminating the need for scheduling meeting rooms or conference calls.

Picture/video messaging: provides instant views of remote locations , such as work site or company assets.

Disadvantages

Despite policies , business conversations often lead to  personal conversations.

Often leads to over – reliance on simply messaging a colleague for an answer to a question rather than  determining the answer on your own.

Can lead to a  significant  decline in important face – to –face contact with coworkers , customers , and  business partners.

Instant messaging : Because all messages can be archived, it can lead to difficult situations when inappropriate contant is shared.

Good practices

When beginning a messaging conversation , make your point quickly and keep messages concise.

Separate  your personal  messaging habits from your point quickly and keep messaging habits, avoiding use of emoticons and shortcuts, such as “brb” as a shortcut for “Be right back”.

Use proper spelling , grammar , and punctuation , and avoid colloquialisms.

Be aware of clutural differences that might arise during casual conversations .

Be mindful that all of your messages may be archived by the company.

Acknowledge the end of a messaging conversation.

Follow your company policies regarding the type of information that can be conveyed in a message and with whom you may engage in messaging.

Always try to meet or telephone a person to introduce yourself before sending a first message to him or her.

Picture /video messaging: Review any pictures and videos you send to colleagues to make sure that all contents are appropriate for the workplace.

Figure Business use a variety of messaging methods to allow employees to collaborate in a timely and secure manner.(where noted,some bullet points apply only to particular  technologies.)