Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Instant Messaging Tools Increase Productivity

Back a few weeks ago, I received an email from Ms Chew from Webershandwick. What's the email about? Well apparently it's in regards of a press release by Windows Live survey revealing the use of Instant Messenger (IM).
KUALA LUMPUR, November 12, 2009 — A recent poll conducted by Microsoft’s Windows Live showed that people in Southeast Asia use Instant Messenger (IM) programs for just about everything, from communicating with colleagues, gossiping, asking people on dates, and even resigning from their jobs.

According to the online survey of over 1,400 people in Southeast Asia, 94 per cent of respondents use Instant Messenger to communicate socially, whilst 54 per cent also use it at work.

“Typing out an IM is much faster than sending an email or picking up the phone. IM is a much easier tool to use to speak with colleagues, bosses and even clients, and it allows me to send documents and discuss specific visuals in real-time,” said Mr. Kelvin Khoo, Steel Trader.

As I read the press release, I learnt that indeed IM has grown into a vast communication tools used in offices, colleges or even in public areas. Because IM not only allows quick communications, it also allows file transfer and document sharing within the network, thus increasing employee efficiency (in the context of academic performance, it increases the productivity of students when doing their assignment or research)

Now here's another question:
Are Southeast Asians more romantic on Messenger?
An overwhelming number of people in Southeast Asia (86.5%) surveyed said that they would use Instant Messenger to ask someone out on a date, whilst a small number (6.8%) even said they would propose online. Interestingly, whilst most people think it’s acceptable to ask someone out online, only a third of respondents (33.3%) would actually break up with someone over IM.

“Being on Instant Messenger or even SMS gives you the chance to say things you would hesitate to say during face to face conversations. It’s easier to flirt or ask someone out, as they can’t really see how nervous you are on the other end” said Mr. Tan.

When reading the article, I actually liked the statistics. It's rather interesting to read on... Moreover, it's useful not only for my own benefits, but also to my friends. Alright, I'll show you some statistics, and see whether or not you agree on it.
When people in Southeast Asia aren’t busy flirting or asking others out online, they use Instant Messaging tools for functional purposes, such as making plans (52%), confirming what to eat for dinner (42%) and exchanging documents (60.5%).

31.8% of respondents said they have typed furiously on their IM just to look busy at work
• Only 46.9% of respondents are actually busy when their online status says they are. The rest of the time, they’re either trying to look busy, trying to avoid talking to someone or just aren’t in the mood for chat.
54.1% of respondents use Instant Messenger to talk to their potential love interests, whilst only 18.4 per cent use Instant Messenger to talk to their spouse or partners.
• A small group of respondents (6.8%) think it is perfectly acceptable to propose via Instant Messenger.
7% of respondents would resign from their jobs or fire someone from their jobs over IM.
• The majority of respondents (75%) use Instant Messenger as it helps them save on their phone bills.

So what do you think of IM now?

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