ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Instant messaging

Instant messaging is like sending a text message to someone, but it's happening in real-time. It's like talking to your friends or family, but instead of saying it out loud, you type your message on your computer, phone, or other device.

You can use instant messaging to talk to people who are far away from you. It's like having a conversation with someone, but instead of talking, you type your messages on a keyboard. You can also send pictures, videos, and emojis to express how you feel.

Instant messaging is different from email because instead of sending a message and waiting for a reply, instant messaging allows you to have a back-and-forth conversation with the person you're talking to. You can see if they are online or offline, and if they're available to chat.

Some popular instant messaging apps are WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage. These apps are free and easy to use. You can download them on your phone or computer, and start talking to your friends and family right away.