Objectives of this study were to capture (through interviews) and share (through a comedy performance) college-age students' perceptions of Instant Messaging. This study utilized Grounded Theory, communication models, advertising, and data expression through performance. Conclusions drawn from the 9 interviews include average starting grade (6.9), reasons for IM'ing (peer pressure, opposite sex), benefits (typing skills, multitasking) and relationship effect (IM breakups, icebreakers, maintaining contacts). The authors hosted and starred in a collection of video and live sketches highlighting these themes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Roberts, Edward Gregory
• Massa, Edmund J.

Subject

• Computing
• Health
• Culture
• Well-Being

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 07D322I

Keyword

• Mental health
• Human-computer interaction

Advisor

• Taylor, Steven S.

Year

• 2007

Date created

• 2007-01-01

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright