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(Sage has free access to this journal for a couple of months after August 1st if you register.) `IM me': Instant messaging as relational maintenance and everyday communication Artemio Ramirez, Jr Arizona State University, artemio.ramirezjr.1@asu.edu Kathy Broneck Pima Community College Few studies to date have examined the use of Internet applications in enacting `everyday' routine relational maintenance and even fewer assess how such tools complement more traditional forms of communication to sustain involvements. This exploratory study examines the role of one such tool, instant messaging (IM), in relational maintenance. Participants (N = 402) reported their general use of IM (Stage 1) and subsequently conducted and reported on a specific interaction occurring either through IM or face to face (Stage 2). Among IM users, significant gender and the types of relationships differences emerged in `every communication.' Findings also indicate how IM is being utilized in conjunction with other communication channels. New research opportunities for examining relational maintenance processes employing IM are advanced. Key Words: computer-mediated communication * instant messaging * Internet * relational maintenance * routine interaction Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 26, No. 2-3, 291-314 (2009) DOI: 10.1177/0265407509106719

`IM me': Instant messaging as relational maintenance and everyday communication Artemio Ramirez, Jr Arizona State University, artemio.ramirezjr.1@asu.edu Kathy Broneck Pima Community College Few studies to date have examined the use of Internet applications in enacting `everyday' routine relational maintenance and even fewer assess how such tools complement more traditional forms of communication to sustain involvements. This exploratory study examines the role of one such tool, instant messaging (IM), in relational maintenance. Participants (N = 402) reported their general use of IM (Stage 1) and subsequently conducted and reported on a specific interaction occurring either through IM or face to face (Stage 2). Among IM users, significant gender and the types of relationships differences emerged in `every communication.' Findings also indicate how IM is being utilized in conjunction with other communication channels. New research opportunities for examining relational maintenance processes employing IM are advanced. Key Words: computer-mediated communication * instant messaging * Internet * relational maintenance * routine interaction Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 26, No. 2-3, 291-314 (2009) DOI: 10.1177/0265407509106719

another reason I love twitter--I hate those unwanted pings that interrupt me when I'm working