Spam, meet spim
An estimated 42% of the 134 million U.S. adults use instant messaging and approximately 30%–or about 17 million Americans—have received “spim,” or unsolicited commercial instant messages, according to survey data from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Younger web users more likely to use IM also are more likely to receive spim. About 39% of those under the age of 30 who use IM have received spim, versus 27% of IM users between 30 and 49. About 66% of Internet users under 30 use IM, compared with 35% of those over 30. Internet users from relatively poor households are among the most likely users of IM, with 52% of adults living in households earning less than $30,000 annually using instant messaging, the study found.
The study found no major variance in IM use associated with broadband versus dial-up connections. About 50% of those with broadband at home use IM, compared with 42% of dial-up users.
The Pew Internet & American Life Projects conducts a monthly tracking survey. In all, more than 2,200 adults over 18 participated in the survey.
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