They’re called away messages – the text that pops up on Instant Messenger when the user you’re calling isn’t there. I have a very boring away message:
Sorry – not here right now.
If I were younger my message would be more expressive. I know this because I read the away messages from my nieces and nephew and my daughter.
Believe me, there’s a lot there parents shouldn’t read – which is why we do.
Last night at around 3:00 AM I found out Steffie had stepped on the power plug for her blow dryer, cutting herself on the soft underside of her foot.
Ouch!
She didn’t tell me. I read it on her away message.
Be careful what you write. Parents are watching.