What Is a Message Chaser?

A message chaser often vainly searches for messages.

Social networking has changed the way that individuals interact with one another, often obscuring the lines between what is and isn't socially acceptable -- you wouldn't phone a friend in the middle of the night, but you might send him Facebook messages at any time. When it comes to individuals who are obsessed with social media and online interaction, specific terms -- such as "message chaser" -- are applied to explain their behavior. Examine your online habits to decide whether you're a message chaser and consider a social media etiquette overhaul to use websites such as Facebook and Twitter politely.

Slang Definition

A "message chaser" refers to a person who keeps several social networking websites open at one time, switching back and forth looking for interaction such as messages, status comments and tweets. According to Dictionary Slang, this is often done during "bad" times when other users are working or logged off. Message chasers essentially chase messages by checking their social networking sites obsessively to ensure that they remain up-to-date on the latest changes, messages and updates.

Multiple Accounts

One of the common characteristics of message chasers is that they often have multiple social networking accounts. Whether its message boards, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace or Pinterest, message chasers are constantly checking a bevy of accounts to see if they have any notifications. While each site takes only a few moments to check, constantly keeping tabs on all of the accounts can take of a lot of a message chaser's time and energy, especially when it interferes with work and family life, or bothers other users.

Other Slang

Some other terms associated with a message chaser are message bombers and Facebook addicts. The term "message bombers" refers to individuals who like to send controversial texts and messages to start an argument or message war. This plays into a message chaser's need to constantly check his social networking sites, since he starts to stir the pot to achieve a reaction. Facebook addicts are those users who check Facebook constantly throughout the day and use the site as a main form of communication. With 800 million active users, 50 percent who sign in on a daily basis, Facebook is a virtual hotbed of people who are obsessed with social networking and communication.

Proper Etiquette

If you think you're in danger of becoming a message chaser, practice some simple and polite etiquette when you use Facebook. For instance, try avoiding sending messages when your friends are away from the computer or concentrating on other activities, such as work or sleep, since messages can be disturbing. Force yourself to take a break by signing out of your accounts and stepping away from the computer and never use message bombing as a way to create conversation -- face-to-face communication is much clearer for controversial conversations.

References

• Dictionary Slang: Message Chaser
• Forbes: Are You Practicing Proper Social Networking Etiquette?
• "The Txt Book: Your Guide to Social Networking": The Socially Connected