Instant messaging is fast, efficient, and apparently a handy way to avoid face-to-face confrontations.
Nearly half of teens, age 13 to 18, said they use instant messaging according to an Associated Press-AOL poll. More than four in 10 teens, or 43 percent, who instant message said they use it for things they wouldn’t say in person, 22 percent use IMs to ask people out on dates or accept them, and 13 percent use them to break up.
According to Riverside, CA, Real Estate agent, Danny Hitt, however, “a significant conversation takes a phone call,” citing that one looses voice inflection with instant messages; but instant messaging’s lack of physical proximity is exactly the point for those determined to avoid cringe-inducing episodes and possible rejection.
The trend isn’t exclusive to teenagers, but teens are far more likely to use many of the bells and whistles, send IMs to a friend’s phone, share music, photos, or video files, or chat with more than one person at a time. Adults outdo teens in only one activity while instant messaging — online shopping.
Have you encountered a situation with your students where IMing was used to avoid a face to face confrontation? If so, how did you handle it?
Do you think we should adjust to the new trend, or do you think youth ministries should help students retain and learn healthy face-to-face confrontation skills?
