12.3: Instant Messaging (IM) and Texting
- Page ID
- 176902
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Instant Messaging (IM) and Texting, once leisure communications activities, have obtained a foothold in the Air Force workplace. When utilized appropriately, IM and Texting can lead to great efficiencies - they can offer advantages over both e-mail and voice conversations and they allow individuals to multitask. Simple questions between co-workers, previously requiring telephone conversations or in-person meetings, can be completed with a single IM or text exchange. On the flip side, they can quickly become a distraction in the workplace with individuals using IM and Texting it outside of their original purpose. The following tips will help you be a responsible user of IM and Texting in the workplace and should sound very familiar when compared to the advantages and disadvantages of electronic communications discussed in the opening of this chapter. - IM and Texting do not replace staff work. While IM can be used for official Air Force business, it does not replace official staff work. If your work requires an official record to be maintained, use e-mail or another means to accomplish your duties.
- IM and Texting are typically not enduring. While you can save your IM history, if your work requires an official record to be maintained, another method, such as e-mail, may be more appropriate.
- IM and Texting can be a distracter. Users should be careful to not use IM as a leisure activity. Doing so will lead to decreased productivity in the workplace.
- IM and Texting are quick and easy. E-mails can get buried and lost. If you need an immediate quick answer to a question, IM is a better choice than e-mail. IM can replace some phone conversations which can save you time.
- IM and Texting are best utilized for one-on-one discussion. If you have a large audience, e-mail is better suited to meet those needs than IM or Texting (in general).