internet etiquitte lesson 1: instant messaging
Do people ever IM you a hello but then not say anything?
I never really understood it until today, however I think it’s like real life where you will see someone in passing, say what’s up, but keep going. Sometimes you aren’t sure if they want to talk or what so you just kind of stand there and look at each other.
They see me on-line, say hi, and then do whatever it is they have to do. Sometimes I will sit there for 10-15 minutes wondering if the person is going to say anything else.
The main difference between real life on earth and Internet life? In real life you are looking at them, whereas I don’t know what they are doing behind the computer screen… which makes me wonder, are they OK? Where did they go? Why did they IM me and then not say anything? Should I call them and see what happened? Maybe they need medical attention? They must be in danger because why would someone IM me and then not say anything else?
Then the worst happens… they sign off.
Where did they go? Is there a burglary in progress? Are they hurt? Tornado? Were they stabbed?
Hours later they sign back on as if nothing happened.
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