The Casual Nature of Instant Messaging Lulls Users into a False Sense of Security

The quick, conversational, and casual nature of instant messaging can lull even savvy users into a false sense of security. They incorrectly assume they can chat about anything with anyone. Some instant messaging users (particularly employees who use consumergrade IM software) may view instant messaging as a private communications tool—regardless of written rules and policies that clearly state employees should not expect any privacy when using the organization’s computer system. ^[6]

^[6]Nancy Flynn and Randolph Kahn, Esq., E-Mail Rules, New York, AMACOM, 2003.