Clicking
on the button below will take you to the Answers.com site
which is not part of the Georia ICAC site.
Please
read Answers.com terms of use and privacy polices.
Technology
Links
Instant
Messaging
What
is IM?
Instant
messaging, known as IM, is a text-based form of communication.
It is similar to a telephone call except it is read off
of a computer screen rather than heard audibly occurring
in real time. It is similar to a private chat room, except
only two individuals are there and there is no person to
monitor the conversation. (Webopedia)
Instant messaging is extremely popular with kids today.
The messages are limited to 160 characters. In order to
fit in the most meaning into the fewest characters many
short cuts are used. Often vowels are deleted changing 'text'
into 'txt' and 'this' into 'ths'. Apostrophes or dashes
are removed as well. Words are replaced with numbers or
symbols, changing 'date' into 'd8' and 'forgive' into '4giv'.
Acronyms are also a short cut. Click
here for a list of popular chat Acronyms.
Dangers:
If
you restrict your instant messaging to people that you really
know, in person, there should be no danger (unless you know
a dangerous person). The danger comes in when someone you
do not know starts instant messaging you from a chat room.
This is the same as being in a private room with a stranger.
It is not a safe practice. The more you 'talk' with someone
the more information you will give out about yourself, even
if you are careful.
Children
may be exposed to vulgar language and sexually explicit
images and discussions. Web cameras, digital cameras, and
picture cell phones make it very easy for an individual
to send pictures of anything.
Cyberbullying
can occur with instant messaging. Instant messaging programs
run in the background of the computer and pop up anytime
someone instant messages you. If your screen name is on
someone's instant messaging list of friends they can track
when you are online. Instant messaging programs will alert
one user if another user is online. If every time your child
goes on line, there is someone watching and making threats
or nasty comments to them, this harassment is Cyberbullying.
The constant sending of hateful, threatening messages will
have a detrimental effect on the recipient.
Be
aware that predators who have made contact with your child
in a chat room will, physiologically, move toward a more
exclusive relationship by using instant messaging as well
as email, and even the telephone. Also,
if a predator is stalking your child, they may be able to
monitor when your child is online by receiving an alert
in Instant Messaging when your child signs on.
When
Instant Messaging the basic safety rules apply.
Do
not give out any personal information:
Name
Address
Phone
number
Email
address
School
attended
Passwords
Distinguishing
family information
Where
a parent is employed
Photos
Do
not attempt to meet anyone in person that you meet in
a chat room
Do
not give out anyone else’s personal information
Do
not use a screen name that gives any information about
you
Do
not use your real voice if the chat is voice enabled;
use a gender-neutral voice mask
Do
leave the chat room if you become uncomfortable
