From Kenradio.com
Mobile instant-messaging (IM) is growing among IM users, especially teens, according to a new survey by AP, which found that 25% of respondents send IMs from their cell phones, including 32% teens. The proliferation of cell phones with full keyboards has made it easier to send mobile instant messages; also, the major instant messaging services let users have their instant messages forwarded directly to their cell phones; moreover, IM users are instant-messaging from within their social-networking profiles. Instant messaging is popular not only at home and on-the-go but also at the workplace: 27% users say they use instant messaging at work, and half of at-work IM users say that instant messaging makes them more productive at work – a 25% increase over last year. The most-popular IM service was AOL’s, cited by 54% of teens and adults surveyed; next were Yahoo’s with 41% and Windows Messenger with 35%; MySpace IM was cited by 15% (23% of teens).
70% and 24% send more instant messages than emails.
* Multitasking remains very popular, as IM users tend to engage in multiple online activities while sending instant messages
* Checking email is the most popular activity among eight in ten adult and teen IM users.
* After email, adult IM users most often conduct online searches (49%), while teens say they like to research homework assignments online (57%).
* 79% at-work IM users say they have used instant messaging in the office to take care of personal matters; and 19% of IM users say they send more instant messages than emails to their co-workers and colleagues.
