Instant Messenger and the Communication Revolution

For many of us the days of outrageous long distance phone bills, or waiting weeks to speak to friends and loved ones, because of the enormous cost of telephone calls across state, or even continental borders, are now a thing of the past.
Instant messengers like MSN, Yahoo, AOL and other such programs opened the doors for free long distance communication around the country and the globe.
The appeal and popularity of Instant Messenger has made it's way around the globe, and for many good reasons.
In addition to advances in communication that made contact with far away loved ones more affordable, the introduction of technologies such as the web-cam and voice technology, also brought our loved ones closer than just a simple telephone call. Now we see their faces and hear their voices. We share pictures, and memories all in the same instant. Instant messaging, in this way, has brought a new freedom in communication, that appeals to people of all ages, races and beliefs. Even those who once dreaded the coming of the computer age, are now experiencing the benefits of instant messengers, as they reunite with loved ones over long distances.

Another of Instant messengers benefits, over the typical telephone conversation, is that a user is able to carry on several conversations at the same time. By opening 3, 4, 5 or more windows, people converse with family and friends from all different parts of the country or the world, all at the same time. Adding friends and family to an on-going conversation makes it possible for several people to chat together. Because of this technology many families are now holding on-line reunions. You can share memories, catch up with one another, view baby pictures or graduation photos, with many relatives, all at the same time. This has become an ideal solution for families who are seperated by long distances, with no means of traveling over many miles to reunite.

Businesses are also realizing the benefits of messenger technology, to hold video conferences, and seminars over the computer, rather than in person.
This is a much more cost effective means of conducting business than the traditional seminar or business meeting.

Messenger appeals to us on many different levels. While once the idea of video-type communication systems was thought of only as material for Sci-fi films, now we are realizing the exciting reality of this computer technology.