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This study explores the relationship between the amount of Instant Messenger (IM) use and the level of perceived intimacy between friends. Results showed the amount of IM use was positively associated not only with verbal intimacy, but also with affective and social intimacy. Findings are consistent with the relationship liberated perspective of computer-mediated communication, and suggest that IM promotes rather than hinders intimacy. Moreover, frequent conversation via IM actually encourages the desire to meet face-to-face. Theoretical as well as practical implications of the results for geographically remote friends and families are discussed.
Hu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.