Topic: Instant Messaging

School bans Facebook for a week: five lessons students learned

Considering a New Year’s Resolution to cut back on Facebook time in favor of real face time with friends and family? A one-week blackout of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, and instant messaging at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania prompted students and faculty to reflect on – and in some cases, change – their usage habits.

Happiness 101: Less tweeting, more meeting

Studies show that happiness is directly linked to conversations that are substantial, not superficial. Yet our communications are dominated by quick electronic exchanges. In a high-stress era like ours, we need to tap into our most valuable resource – each other. That's why I talk to strangers.

Facebook email? The social network revamps messaging

To better battle Gmail, Facebook tries to redefine email messaging.

Facebook 'Places' challenges Foursquare

Like Foursquare, the new Facebook Places location identification system allows users with mobile devices to broadcast their location.

Flash mobs and the ultimate crowd control

A Christian Science perspective.

Another attack downs Twitter, briefly this time

The online messaging site said that it is analyzing its traffic data to determine the nature of the latest attack.

A primer on Twitter

‘RT’ and ‘@’ and ‘#’ – oh my! Before you tweet, learn the new slang that surrounds microblogging.

My teen wants a computer in his room. I say no. Here's why.

How can I teach him to be discerning if I can't be involved?

Blu-ray and Yahoo inject the Web into television

Coming to a TV set near you: IMs, eBay, Wikipedia, and widgets.

Six degrees of instant messaging

When disasters strike, citizen journalists turn to Twitter

Why more news outlets are setting up bureaus in the blogosphere.

Turn teen texting toward better writing

Teachers who co-opt Web tools for class have the best of both worlds.

Chinese vent anti-Western fury online

Bloggers are now calling for boycotts and stoking death threats over perceived insults from Westerners who have criticized China's human rights record ahead of this summer's Olympic Games.

Twitter: How news and politics plays on a popular social networking service

It lets users know what their friends are up to and also serves as an alert service for breaking news.