Abstract: Method, system and article for responding to changes in the busy-level of a user interacting with an instant messaging (IM) application. The method includes monitoring whether the user is engaging in one or more predefined actions. Each predefined action may contribute some amount to an overall busy-level for the user. The actions may include any user activity detectable by the IM application. As tasks are initiated and completed over time, the user's busy-level increases and decreases, accordingly. When the user's busy-level threshold is reached, the IM application may be configured to set an availability status for the user to a “busy” state, preventing others from initiating a new IM conversation with that user. Once the user's busy level decreases below the threshold, the IM application automatically returns the user's status to an available state.