Ohio State University Study: Instant Messaging Reduces Workplace Interruption

A recent study by researchers at Ohio State University and the University of California, Irvine has been making its way around the web. Essentially, the study shows that Instant Messaging is less intrusive than email, a face-to-face meeting, or even a phone call.

“We found that the effect of instant messaging is actually positive. People who used instant messaging reported that they felt they were being interrupted less frequently,” said R. Kelly Garrett, co-author of the study and assistant professor of communication at OSU.

While this won't come as a surprise to anyone who uses IM to talk with their co-workers, it's nice to see some serious research devoted to the subject.