Instant Messaging Conquers Email?

By Stefania Viscusi

TMCnet Assistant Editor

 

Once an astounding enhancement for mailing capabilities, email seems to have become outdated by today's youth. This is what the findings of a recent online survey by Parks Associates uncovered.

 

The survey, "Digital Media Habits," found that instant messaging usage, as a mode of communications, has grown especially among those 25 and younger-- even over email. This switch can be seen in the demand for faster accessibility. Although email may take only a short time to send and receive, instant messaging seems to offer a more automatic communication.

 

According to the surveys findings, "less than one-fifth of people aged 13-17 use e-mail as their primary communication method with friends, compared with nearly 40 percent of adults aged 25-54."

Also, with social networking and online chatting amongst peers increasing, these numbers are not surprising and show that communications over the internet that are quick and 'instant', are here to stay.

 

John Barrett, director of research at Parks Associates commented in a statement to the press, "Teens and young adults are increasingly accustomed to an always-on world where friends and family are instantly accessible."

 

However, Barrett also noted in a news release, the surveys findings do not necessarily indicate a deadening of email altogether. Youth who are currently revitalizing IM, will soon grow to tackle the workforce and find themselves with much less time for IMing.