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Does Chat (IM) Really work?

May 26th, 2008 · 1 Comment

Orion Nebula

©MACSURAK

 Did you know that, as reported in WSJ:

  • 70% of the Internet users in the U.S. are over the age of 30?
  • 70% of the Internet users in China are UNDER the age of 30%.
  • In the US, people spend their time composing e-mail messages and using the Internet for searching for information.
  • In China, people spend their time downloading video, music, and posting online messages (social networking)
This doesn’t surprise me much as I am much more likely to get a busy signal (brb), quick message of unavailability, or no response at all when trying to chat with people. Hoping to get a response before the end of the day, I am more likely to just send an email. When using social networking services like Twitter I will often get the same response–having to wade through messages about what people are eating or when they went to the bathroom last. How can we waste time posting uneventful messages but can’t have a real conversation. I think it boils down to American’s being wrapped up in the ME-generation. Look at ME, see what ME is doing, and don’t you love ME. Above and beyond I think many Americans don’t know how to be social online.

In China, IM services are an extension of a person’s lifestyle. Most users, since they are under 30, have grown up with or have seen the boom in online social networking. They are much more likely to be online, available, willing to reach out to someone online, and willing to be part of a business lifestyle. There is a growing trend in China for businesses to collaborate online through chatting services. Many groups are more likely to have a chat group than occupy an conference room.

All I can say here is I hope the trend in China catches on here in the States a bit quicker. The instantaneous flow of information, ideas, and work can only help us be more productive. We shouldn’t have to wait for a leisurely response to an email. Our abilities to multi-task are much greater than that. Don’t you think! When we use social networking to our benefit it actually saves time by making information readily available.

Opinion? Sound off! Or better yet, chat with me online.



Tags: Opinion · Wall Street Journal-Tech


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