The ins and outs of instant messaging

In the past few years instant messaging (IM) has been kicking off in a big way. Many of you are probably familiar with chat rooms, well IM works on a similar principle, only you get to choose who you talk to. This method of communication is a lot safer than a chat room as you know exactly with whom you will be speaking, and if they do get offensive, you will always have the ability to block them for as long as you see fit.