I'd be cool with IMs, makes it easier to focus and it's just conversation I see there; it can be a genuine question to know what someone likes and for the sake of conversation. Talking about random things can be a good start to get something going - it keeps things fresh and interesting... and it's just what people do like at the water-cooler at work. Talking about whatever.
That could be a lesson telling you that and could be why you cried over it. It's not often you get genuine people yes. I don't think it's silly to cry (if anyone feels that way), it's nice to know people who act like people still exist.