We use Google Talk instant messaging at work. It is very helpful because our two buildings are across town from one another. It's great for quick questions or to verify where someone may be--provided they change their status line (something I'm guilty of not remembering to do!).
I discovered this weekend that Facebook also have a chat function. I noticed that a good friend from grad school was online, so we chatted for several minutes. It was really good to catch up. Was it satisfactory? Yes. Was it as nice as talking on the phone? Not really. I am a great fan of the sound of my friends and loved ones' voices. They stir my heart in an excellent way that chat and email cannot. An emoticon is just not warm, not as good as a belly laugh or a smiling chuckle (that chuckle that insures that the person is also smiling).
So what's great about instant messaging? It's quick (no kidding!) and can be quite efficient. There is another facet that may fall under the heading of unintended benefits: when the chat list pops up, it can serve as a memory jog. "Gosh, I haven't spoken with them in a long time." or "I wonder what's new with hiim..." As one who has lived many places in my life, I have friends strewn across the world. This is one small way to stay in touch.
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