instant messaging
Real-time text chat
Instant messaging is real-time text communication between people over a network, typically the internet.
Unlike email, messages appear immediately and conversations flow back and forth without delay: We handle quick questions through instant messaging rather than email.
The abbreviation IM serves as both noun and verb: She IMed me the details.
Mobile messaging platform
- iMessageApple's native texting platform
- TelegramEncrypted chat application
- SignalPrivate messaging service
- WeChatChinese multipurpose messaging app
Slack · Discord · Viber · Snapchat · ICQ · AIM · MSN · Skype
Informal verbal exchange
- textingSending typed mobile messages
- DMPrivate digital correspondence
- PMAfter-midday time marker
- threadsTwisted fiber strands
conversations · emoji · stickers · gifs · notifications · status · profile · avatars
Occurring at same moment
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- liveTo exist or dwell
- immediateHappening without delay
- simultaneousHappening at same time
quick · prompt · direct · uninterrupted · concurrent · responsive · presence · delivered
Voluntary close relations
- contactsPeople you know professionally
- groupAssembled collection of things
- communityCollective of connected people
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
sharing · engagement · memes · reactions · mentions · tagging · forwarding · broadcast
Mobile messaging platform
- iMessageApple's native texting platform
- TelegramEncrypted chat application
- SignalPrivate messaging service
WeChat · Slack · Discord · Viber · Snapchat · ICQ · AIM · MSN · Skype
chat
Informal verbal exchange
threads · conversations · emoji · stickers · gifs · notifications · status · profile · avatars · usernames
synchronous
Occurring at same moment
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- liveTo exist or dwell
- immediateHappening without delay
simultaneous · quick · prompt · direct · uninterrupted · concurrent · responsive · presence · delivered · seen
friends
Voluntary close relations
- contactsPeople you know professionally
- groupAssembled collection of things
- communityCollective of connected people
networking · sharing · engagement · memes · reactions · mentions · tagging · forwarding · broadcast · channel
internet
Interconnected computer systems
- communication methodsphone line, radio, telephone, television, text
- digital servicese-signatures, e-billing, e-statements, e-government, e-governance
- communicationtelephone, conversation, inform, hand signal, dialogue
- digital communicationemail, internet, chat, texting, SMS
- 2000s TechiPod, MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, Google
- digital lifeapps, email, texting, web browsing, online shopping
instant messagingsnail mail
Physical letter delivery
letter writing · email · voicemail · memos · certified mail
instant messagingbusiness letters
Formal professional written communications
handwritten letters · carrier pigeon · telegrams · smoke signals · town crier
message, instant, messenger, messages, messaging, messaged, messengers, instant message