IM permitted direct, immediate, casual online contact. Forty
three percent of surveyed 7th graders (“young teens”) v
28% of 12th graders (“older teens”) reported IMing “all the
time,” a statistically significant difference that is contrary to
recent national survey findings [3]. We found a trend for
younger girls to IM more than others. Interviewees
described IM as something to do when “bored,” and a way
to connect & “hang out,” chatting about “anything;
nothing.” Once online, IMing is easier than disconnecting
to make phone calls. Some preferred IM for sending
multiple inquiries (e.g., on homework).