instant message are inherently skeptical and do not believe product claims unless a friend or family member tells them about it or they see it for themselves. However, once someone they trust recom- mends the product, the IMs will try it and share it with their friends and family. In terms of potential word of mouth and information-sharing opportunities, we learned that IMs are on the Internet and check mail throughout the day. For events that are important to them, lMs read their campus paper.