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The AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is an ad-supported instant messaging and presence computer program, published by AOL in October of 1997, which uses the OSCAR instant messaging protocol and the TOC protocol.AIM allows users to communicate instantly through text to their "buddies" (or bots such as SmarterChild, ZolaOnAOL, AOLSafetyBot) around the world, provided they have the AIM software. AIM has 53 million users (March 2003)[1], with a large portion using Internet slang. Advocates claim that it is easy to locate these users by visiting chatrooms that AOL has set up solely for those purposes. Chat topics range from being "alone at home" to "current affairs." AOL also has a member directory where AIM users can locate others online who share their interests. AIM is also noteworthy for its use of buddy icons and buddy profiles, allowing its users to construct a personal avatar and small personal information page.
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