STUDENT Kacy Woo, 18, has gone on several dates initiated on Instant Messaging (IM) programs, and dumped several boyfriends through such online chat programs too.

“I often go on dates initiated on IM programs and I think it’s fine,’’ she said.

“It’s the person proposing the date that matters.’’

She also admitted to initiating break-ups on IM, “even though it’s irresponsible, as it is easier to be hard-hearted when you’re facing a screen’’.

“And it’s pretty common nowadays,’’ she added.

She is among about a third of more than 700 Singaporeans polled who find it acceptable to break up over IM.

The survey, which found that Singaporeans use IM widely for both romance and work, was carried out online for two months, starting from August, by computer giant Microsoft, the creator of the IM program Windows Live Messenger.

Close to one in five surveyed uses IM to talk to partners or spouses.

For student Tan Liling, 21, a date with her boyfriend means sitting in front of her laptop, while he does the same – in Japan.

“Since we can meet only twice a year, this is our best option. IM suffices as a channel of communication,” she said.

She met her boyfriend, student Hiroto Takahashi, 23, six months ago when she was on an exhange trip, and IM has been their main means of keeping in touch since her return four months ago.

“I’m on IM virtually 24/7. I even sleep next to my laptop with the IM alert sounds at full volume. We’re always in touch,’’ she said.

But not all Singaporeans approve of using IM to communicate important personal decisions.

Accountant Derek Choo, 28, said: “It’s too insincere for life- changing issues such as break-ups or marriage proposals.’’

The survey also found that more than half of those polled use IM at work.

Of these, almost 60 per cent feel that its use at work increases their productivity.

And some bosses agree too.

Public-relations firm Weber Shandwick lets its employees use external IM programs, as typing a message is faster than sending e-mail or making calls, and helps its consultants work more efficiently, said its managing director for Singapore and South-east Asia, Mr Baxter Jolly.

OCBC Bank discourages external IM programs as they pose a security risk to the bank’s computer system.

But the bank has its own internal messaging system called Sparks.

Its head of information security, Mr Andrew Wong, said: “Our active use of such technologies helps to increase our staff members’ productivity and minimise travelling costs and time.’’