Instant messaging, a form of online communication that allows real-time interaction through computers or mobile phones, has nowadays become popular with more and more young people due to its speed and ease of use.

Now, a new study has claimed that just as with talking face-to-face, the emotions communicated via instant messaging (IM) are also contagious. Researchers at Cornell University in New York, led by Prof Jeffrey Hancock, have based their findings on an analysis of communication of 44 pairs of volunteers recruited for the study, the New Scientist reported.

Prior to taking part in the communication, one person in each pair was told to see either a harrowing film scene or a clip from another film depicting small talk. Subsequently, all the subjects were asked to chat online for 15 to 20 minutes. They were also instructed to find out more about each other and to discuss about something that was worrying them.

The researchers found not only that each participant could accurately assess their partner's mood, but that those paired with someone who had watched the harrowing film scene felt sadder than before the chat.