Instant Messaging: Functions of a New Communicative Tool

<p dir="ltr">Students in Anthropology 427, Doing Things with Words, Fall 2004, at the University of Notre Dame, taught by Susan D. Blum, conducted a study of then-new Instant Messaging. They looked at the functions of language and conducted interviews, analysis of Instant Messenger conversations, and an online survey with 636 responses. They discuss multitasking, identity formation and self-creation through screen names, profiles, and buddy lists, away messages and greetings/closings, turn-taking, humor, "abbrevs" (abbreviations), the communicative repertoire and the effects of instant messaging.</p>