The Hidden Dangers of Instant Messaging

Iria · Jul 6, 2006, 12:40 AM

Source: Newsfactor
__________
Human nature may not change, but technology sure does. Gone are the days when employees saved their juicy gossip for periodic water cooler visits. Instant venting about difficult managers, annoying coworkers, and even questionable ethical practices is now as quick and easy as clicking an instant message (IM) screen name.

But unlike water-cooler chatter, IMs leave a trail -- one that can be tracked by employers, regulators, and law-enforcement officials. And like e-mail, IMs are considered legal documents.

Jul 6, 2006, 12:40 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	The Hidden Dangers of Instant Messaging Source: Newsfactor __________ Human nature may not change, but technology sure does. Gone are the days when employees saved their juicy gossip for periodic water cooler visits. Instant venting about difficult managers, annoying coworkers, and even questionable ethical practices is now as quick and easy as clicking an instant message (IM) screen name. But unlike water-cooler chatter, IMs leave a trail -- one that can be tracked by employers, regulators, and law-enforcement officials. And like e-mail, IMs are considered legal documents.