The pros and cons of instant messaging

However, could this rampant use of AIM turn into a full-blown addiction? There has been some controversy regarding this use of AIM - parents versus children, children versus parents - so I thought I'd contribute my two cents in a neutral, non-threatening, objective manner. Here goes:

For obvious reasons, AIM is an amazing service just because you can chat with different people all at the same time. It helps you stay connected to those you would have otherwise forgotten or not been able to talk to, like the people you meet at summer camps. You promise and promise you'll keep in touch, but now with AIM, you really have to, or be doomed to descend into a kind of stony, awkward silence usually reserved for the worst of family reunions. Also, if you've forgotten to write down that homework for history class, it's much more convenient to find someone online who's also in that class and ask them.

This avoids the steps of calling the person, which involves: 1.) looking for the student directory 2.) finding it 3.) thinking of someone who's actually in your class 4.) looking anxiously through the directory - which can be hard, especially if you've forgotten their last name 5.) dialing their number 6.) asking the person who answers the phone for the person you want to talk to 7.) asking the person for the homework 8.) writing down the homework 9.) thanking them for it 10.) hanging up the phone.

Who wants to take 10 steps to do this when you could actually take the convenient four steps to just IM the person, ask them, thank them and sign off?

On the other hand, it helps you procrastinate, which some people would say is a good thing, but most would advise as a bad thing. Yes, for some people, AIM can turn into a blatant waste of time - I've often been amazed at how I'll be engaged in a conversation with someone and two hours have passed. Weird how that works. Who wouldn't want to keep talking to their friends rather than continue on with their homework? People can get caught up in it - sending pictures online, thinking up witty inside jokes to put into their profiles, constantly changing their buddy icons, etc. I've even noticed a social turnaround caused by AIM - instead of "Why didn't he call me last night?!" - it's now "Why didn't he IM me last night? I waited for, like, three hours in front of the monitor." Note to readers: staring at the computer monitor for that long will definitely hurt your eyes. Experts recommend taking a break from the computer every half hour or so.

I don't even want to get started on how AIM has changed our writing style, like "LOL," "TTYL," "OMG," and "WTF." That's not so much a problem for the older kids as it is for the younger ones, who sometimes adopt this style in regular conversation or formal writing.

Unfortunately, until a new law is passed that abolishes homework, I'd just advise some of you out there to limit your AIM time. And, if you really can't bear to be without the company of others online, put on your little away message on the edge of the screen. Just try not to check if someone has left you a message every half a minute.

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Come out and support your fellow San Bruno 249 Region AYSO Team in its soccer season, which continues Saturdays through Nov. 20 with games from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Crestmoor Fields on Courtland Drive in San Bruno. If you're someone interested in playing a team sport outside of school, you should definitely check it out.

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Also, AYSO is one of the co-sponsors, along with the city of San Bruno, of helping out those who are less fortunate. There will be a canned food drive ending Oct. 29, so bring in those cans to various containers scattered around San Bruno. There will also be a coat drive, so please bring in old or gently-used coats to the San Bruno Garbage Center or leave them outside with the trash if you're a San Bruno resident.

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I know sometimes I gab on and on about being a senior or a junior, because, presumably, I was a junior last year and I'm a senior this year. Anyway, I can't neglect the little frosh just entering high school - making new friends, establishing relationships and preparing for a great four years - what this year is all about. However, sometimes the transition from another school to a new one can be difficult, especially if you don't know anyone.

For this reason, Aragon High School is offering a Freshman Fun Night at Bel Mateo Bowl on Oct. 16 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here, a $10 ticket will provide you admission to the bowling alley, show rental, all games bowled, pizza and soda. (What two better foods to set a relaxed and party-like atmosphere?) There will be a theme of "Planet Bowling" to set the mood, which includes black lights and lots of rock/hip-hop music. Tickets will be sold in advance at Aragon, and all freshmen must bring a student ID and ticket to get in the door.

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Scholarship Savvy: This one is for all you young animation artists or directors out there - and I know you exist. The Excellence in 3D Animation Award is available to students who can create the best animated, characters, props and movie set. You have to download the latest ANIMOIDS program online to construct a unique animated character, prop, set or movie scene to be eligible for this award. The award ranges from $100 - $1,000, but you have to get started soon, since the deadline is Nov. 30. Who knows? You might just become the next artist behind another completely out-there version of "Shrek."

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Bands at The Vibe this Saturday: Inverness, American Ave. 6:30 p.m., $5. The Vibe is located at 670 Shell Blvd., Foster City. Call 286-3254 for more information.

Margot Leong is a senior

at Menlo School. Her column appears in the Friday edition

of the Daily Journal.

She can be reached at margot.leong@gmail.com.