Instant messaging is a favorite communication tool of teens and young adults, with nearly two-thirds of them sending more IMs than emails, according to an AOL-commissioned survey by Opinion Research, writes CNET. Nearly 66 percent of 13-21-year-olds now say they send more IMs than e-mails, compared with 49 percent last year.

Some 38 percent of all users say they send as many or more IMs than emails. And IM is popular at work: 58 percent use it for communicating with colleagues, 49 percent for getting answers and making business decisions. Most users at work - 77 percent - say instant messaging has had a positive effect on their work lives.