A group that I identify myself with, which is entirely mediated by the Internet would be AOL Instant Messaging. AIM opens up a whole new opportunity to talk to people through an exciting different medium. I currently am using AIM Triton, which is the newest version of the instant messaging application. "On September 29, 2006, the newest release of the AIM Triton 1.5 Beta was renamed to AIM 6.0, with a Beta 1 release made available. This version again changed the UI (albeit slightly). The final stable version of AIM 6.0 was released on December 15; new features included connection to AIM Pages, updates that make profile, away message, and general user updates into RSS feeds, new customization, the ability to send messages to users who are offline , buddy list capacity being increased to 1000 buddies, and compatibility with address book programs and sites through a "Universal Address Book" powered by Plaxo" (Wikipedia.org, AOL Instant Messaging).
Through instant messaging, one is allowed to send IM's to another person anywhere in the world, at any time they want. People are also allowed to use chat rooms, where multiple friends or strangers gather to talk to each other. With these interesting outlets in communication, it is apparent that communication is going to strengthen. AIM can strengthen peoples' relationships because it offers something that is new and different. It allows people to physically type out what they want to say, we get to take our time to make sure what we are saying is right, and better yet i can do it in my bath robe waiting for my hair to dry. It is extremely easy to use and I completely prefer speaking to some people on AIM. It is much more comfortable because I don't have to worry about my appearance and I feel that Instant Messaging allows me to get my feelings our easier than in person. The technological development of Instant Messaging applications allows people to speak freely, and more confidently to people anytime they want, anywhere in the world. For example, my friend has a very hard time telling me how he feels about things in person. He gets quite when you ask him anything personal and doesn't know how to verbally word what he wants to say about his emotions. Talk to him online; it's a completely different scenario. I find him much easier to talk to through the AIM application because for some reason, he feels safe behind the computer screen and has more time to type out how he feels. IM is something that is extremely popular among teenagers. "Why do teens flock to IM?...Adolescents have adapted IM technologies to their own needs and purposes...the majority of teenagers have adapted instant messaging in a way that adults have not...the popularity of IM among teens is a result of their need to socialize while confined to their homes..." (Boneva, Quinn, Kraut, Kiesler, Shklovski).
The main way I communicate with people is through instant messaging. The fact that I can see if my friends are available when I need to send them something, and get an instant response makes this technological advance in communication so great. Mediated communication through the use of technology is a great advance for generations to come.
"AOL Instant Messenger." Wikipedia. 20 Mar. 2007. Wikipedia. 20 Mar. 2007
Boneva, Bonka, Amy Quinn, Robert Kraut, Sara Kiesler, and Irina Shklovski. "Teenage Communication in the Instant Messaging Era." Carnegie Mellon University. 20 Mar. 2007
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