Justin Goldman's column about Instant Messaging Syndrome really made me give some thought to my problem. It's not as though his article made me realize I had a problem; I was already quite aware. Since the day my Ethernet connection was hooked up freshman summer, I admit, I have been a total addict. I probably wasn't that bad back then because half my friends hadn't even heard of instant messaging or understood the concept.

Penn State has every type of club — what's next an Instant Messaging Club? I could definitely be the president! Until people like myself overcome IMS, those like Goldman will have to put up with our online identity crises, annoying buddy icons and away messages.