Examining the frequency and intimacy of IM use : the case of chinese overseas students in Singapore.

Abstract

Instant Messenger (IM) has become increasingly popular among Internet users especially for those who work, study or live overseas. Few studies, however, have fully investigated how expected face-to-face communication is associated with the frequency and intimacy of IM use. Through web-based surveys and online interviews, this study found that expected face-to-face communication is strongly associated with the frequency and intimacy of IM use.