AIM Grieviances

Granted, AIM isn’t the best form of communication ever invented, but there are a lot of ways it can make life more convenient. For example, allowing two people who have never set eyes on each other to realize they are soul mates, just because they both typed “11:11!!” to each other at 11:11:11. There are also a lot of ways, however, that it can make things a lot more complicated.

a) not putting on away msgs: i don’t know what about this bugs me so much. Maybe its because I never know who i CAN reach, and who i cannot, and I get very agitated when people don’t respond (that is, if i have something important to tell them). Please, do us ALL a favor, and put on an away.

b) being a jackass: yeah, its a lot easier to be a jackass on aim, because it’s impersonal and thus, makes it so much easier to cuss out someone you hate, or come clean if you can’t do it in person. But really: its disrespectful, its dishonest, and its plain dirty. If you dont have enough guts to say it to their face, then you probably have some reassessing to do on yourself before you start bagging on others.

c) the detachment: true, detachment and lack of actual connection is inherent in any instant messanger, but it doesnt mean you can’t make an effort. It’s easy to be “whatever” about everything when online, but, unbeknownst to you, it is really offensive to some people. so be tactful about what you say, and make sure that if you are being sincere, that it really shines through.

d) Misinterpretation: It is disgustingly easy to misinterpret someone over aim, since you can’t tell what tone they are speaking in. This has, unfortunately, caused multiple arguments and plenty of wasted time, and is thus one of my worst aim pet peeves. However, since it is also unavoidable, its just one of the things i’ve learned to live with. As a result, i believe i am now slightly less offended by “slip of the lips” or things that may sound harsh, whether intentionally or intentionally.