Instant Messaging: The Cons

Now we will discuss the cons of Instant Messaging

1. Instant Messaging provides a level of anonymity, a complete hazard. Anyone can make a screen-name and say they are someone else. They can even pretend they are someone else. There have been multiple instances in the news where students pretend they are someone else so that they can cyber bully someone online. Cyber Bullying is a major issue in this day and age, it is becoming dangerous.

2. The Slang or Lingo used in Instant Messaging conversations has become common in areas that are not appropriate. Teachers are complaining that students use the slang in their essays and class work. In a day and age where speaking on the internet is a daily occurrence from a young age, kids do not fully understand the important of having correct writing in school and not using their online lingo.

3. Viruses are incredibly easy to send via Instant Messaging. Security is very weak and easy to penetrate and send viruses dangerous to a computer. It is important to be careful who you speak to and to make sure you are only speaking and sharing files with people you know and trust.

Links:

http://stopcyberbullying.org/

Phoebe Prince- Cyber Bullying Story

Citation for further reading: Perelman, Deb. 2008. "The pros and cons of IM." eWeek 25, no. 19: 10. Vocational and Career Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed April 27, 2011).