Does anyone else not like Instant Messaging?

[alarimer]

I mean, like Yahoo Instant Messenger or something, not text messaging.

For some reason, on a lot of the dating websites, most people who contact me prefer IM over email. I can't stand it! I prefer email for initial conversations because it lets me take my time and answer at my own pace and think through my responses.

Plus IM means I am tied to a computer, usually late at night. I supposed I could use my tablet or phone, but still.

And I always feel awkward in these conversations. Well, I do in real life too.

Last night I was chatting with someone and I had to abruptly sign off because my head was killing me.

It is useful in some situations. Some companies use a chat interface for customer service and I don't mind that. But as a sort of "getting-to-know-you" kind of thing, I don't find it useful. I'd rather send some emails, then meet in person for coffee or whatever. I would even prefer Google Hangouts or something like that.

[arcane1]

1. I hate it!

Even at work. When someone sends an email, there is an expectation that it will be replied to at a time of the recipient's choosing. IMs have this urgent sense to them, and the expectation of an "instant" reply. They are stress-inducing.

[alarimer]

5. Yes

Sometimes it takes me a little while to respond and they get impatient. "Are you still there?" That sort of thing.

[HipChick]

2. My boss uses it when he can't get hold off me via cell text

He is as annoying as all get out..

[alarimer]

6. That is annoying.

Fortunately we don't have out at work. Email is bad enough.

[hobbit709]

3. Just another POS that loads on startup and bogs everything down.

One of the first things I disable on any computer. and it's an open door for nasties.

[Locut0s]

4. I prefer emails too, but maybe that's my social anxiety?...

Actually I've never tried a dating site and never dated anyone. I'm talking about IM and email with new people in general. I suppose it could be my social anxiety, but I agree I like to take the time to compose my thoughts and I think I come across much better once I've had the time to think about what to say. However email doesn't give you the whole picture either. You can compose the perfect email and although that's certainly you speaking and gives some insight into your mind, it leaves out the candid minute by minute aspect of talking to someone. I'd rather a solid combination of both.

[alarimer]

7. I'm the same way.

It moves too quickly and people get impatient when I can't think of anything to say right away.

[RebelOne]

9. Hate it. When I had AOL, the instant messages were a pain in the butt. n/t

[MadrasT]

10. Hate it and I refuse to do it

Terrible form of "communication"

[bigwillq]

11. I never use IM

I just don't care for it.

[JitterbugPerfume]

12. I hate it!

Being old and old school, I prefer a phone call, or at LEAST an e mail

[NewJeffCT]

13. I love IMing

I've been using it since the late 80s when I did an internship at a large corporation that had an internal IM system (I was T35JXK).

I never felt obligated to respond right away to an IM - you can still take a few seconds to respond, or even a minute or two. Just tell them you had to run to the bathroom, feed the cat, walk the dog, answer a call from your mom/dad/brother/sister, etc. if they question your response time.

[fizzgig]

14. i like it

use it all the time at work and it's the primary way i talk to my friends on facebook. my personal email is a terrible way to get a hold of me because i just don't give enough of a shit to check it.

[pipi_k]

15. Despise it!!!

Always have.

Same reasons as you.

Awkward thinking of stuff. Don't like being tied down to whatever device I'm using.

I prefer thinking out my replies, and even with email or Facebook posts, I often can't think of anything. But at least it's easier to just leave it if the whole thing is going to scroll off the page in a few hours anyway.

[hunter]

16. I tried it for a day back in the 'nineties...

...haven't used it since.