Characterizing instant messaging from recorded logs

Most studies about instant messaging (IM) are based on self-report data. We logged thousands of real IM conversations and examined them to find characteristic patterns of IM use in the workplace. Frequent IMers have longer, faster-paced interactions than do infrequent users, with shorter turns, more threading, and more multitasking. Pairs who IM with each other often have longer interactions with more threading than do rare partners. In contrast to previous characterizations, IM is used only occasionally to set up interactions in other media. Keywords Instant messaging, switch media, threading, multitasking.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2002
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Ellen Isaacs, Candace A. Kamm, Diane J. Schiano, Alan Walendowski, Steve Whittaker
• Keywords: CHI 2002, Human Computer Interaction, Keywords Instant Messaging, Longer Interactions, Real Im Conversations