29% of Web users send as many instant messages as e-mails

A survey, funded by America Online, indicates substantial growth of instant messaging at work. 27% of 4,500 IM users said they use IM at work, up 71% from 16% in 2003. But among the respondents who said they are currently employed, a whopping 43% said they use IM. 59% of Internet users use IM; 29% send as many instant messages as they do e-mail messages. 90% of 13 to 21 year olds surveyed said they use IM.