INTRODUCTION

             My project seeks to describe the degree to which instant messaging positively or negatively influences student life and culture. By examining preexisting literature and a variety of case studies that discuss the usefulness of instant messaging in numerous contexts, I hope to be able to summarize the different positive and negative aspects of instant messaging. I also hope to provide a description of the long-term effects of instant messaging on modern society, and discuss possible future uses, such as in the workplace and in distance learning.

• Observation: Since its introduction in 1996, online instant messaging use has increased exponentially, with a specifically large user-base among teenage individuals.
• Assumption: While some students use instant messaging to aide in productive informational communication, many others use it merely as a casual conversational tool. Overall, it is unknown whether instant messaging has had a positive impact on youth communication and information sharing, or whether it acts as time-wasting addiction, preventing students from engaging in such activities as studying or exercising.
• Importance: Considering a significant portion of the youth population uses instant messaging or other related services, it would be useful to analyze the degree to which instant messaging affects their lives.
• Results: This research will show the positive and negative aspects of instant messaging, and describe the degree to which it influences student life and culture.