Abstract: Systems and methods for processing instant messages by destroying them are disclosed. Setting a time for destroying a destroyable instant message is provided. Destruction of a message can be accompanied by visual effects. A destroyable instant message can be made not printable and not retrievable savable. Methods and systems for instant messaging using destroyable messages are also disclosed. Clients for instant messaging with destroyable instant messages are provided. A client for instant messaging with destroyable instant messages can be created with pre-installed applications, web page based applications and by using a plug-in to an existing instant messaging application.