instant messages
Real-time digital notes
Instant messages are text-based communications sent electronically between users in real time, as opposed to email's store-and-forward model.
The term emerged in the 1990s with services like AOL Instant Messenger and now covers any direct digital messaging: I sent her an instant message but she hasn't read it yet.
Often shortened to IMs.
The verb is to instant-message or IM someone.
Informal verbal exchange
- textingSending typed mobile messages
- DMPrivate digital correspondence
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- group chatShared messaging conversation
SMS · thread · notification · read receipt · typing indicator · reply · forward · mention
Abruptly ceasing all communication
- seenPerceived visually
- left on readSeen but unanswered
- double textingConsecutive unreplied messages sent
- response timeInterval before reacting
online status · last seen · away · busy · do not disturb · delivered · pending · typing dots
Mobile messaging platform
Digital pictograph for messaging
- GIFAnimated image format
- stickerAdhesive-backed paper or plastic
- memeShared online humor
- voice noteRecorded spoken message
photo · video · link · attachment · reaction · thumbs up · heart · screenshot
chat
Informal verbal exchange
- textingSending typed mobile messages
- DMPrivate digital correspondence
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
group chat · SMS · thread · notification · read receipt · typing indicator · reply · forward · mention · mute
ghosting
Abruptly ceasing all communication
- seenPerceived visually
- left on readSeen but unanswered
- double textingConsecutive unreplied messages sent
response time · online status · last seen · away · busy · do not disturb · delivered · pending · typing dots
Mobile messaging platform
- TelegramEncrypted chat application
- SnapchatDisappearing multimedia messenger
- DiscordGaming communication platform
WeChat · Viber · Skype · Signal · iMessage · Slack · ICQ · AIM · Kik
emoji
Digital pictograph for messaging
voice note · photo · video · link · attachment · reaction · thumbs up · heart · screenshot · caption
- messagesemail, text, letters, dm, postcards
- correspondenceletters, letter, handwritten letters, family letters, missives
instant messagesofficial letters
Authorized written communications
legal documents · certified mail · notarized documents · business letters · archival records
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