Instant Messenger Takes a Beating

The
ubiquitous text messages via phones, handhelds and PCs have become the
preferred means of communication for a generation of cell phone addicted
youth.
For
speed,
ease of use
and constant access, you can’t beat instant messaging. You can,
however, beat the messenger.

It began as innocent chatter over AOL Instant Messenger, the 14-year-old
Dorchester girl said. But the flirting among teenagers soon escalated
into a war of words.

The alleged payback was brutal, police said, ending with the girl
beaten unconscious and left on train tracks near a T stop in Milton.

The girl, who spoke on condition that she not be named, shared the story
yesterday of how a group of teenagers allegedly attacked her Wednesday
after she got off the train, leaving her with bruises on her body and
other injuries. Police say she was targeted because of Internet messages
she
sent.

from the Boston Globe