A remote control instant messaging method and system for automatically activating an instant messaging session based upon remote detection of a user approaching a processor capable of executing an instant message system. The method and system also automatically deactivate the instant messaging session based upon remote detection of the user's absence from such processor and automatically re-activate the instant messaging session based upon remote detection of the user's return to the processor. A second instant messaging session can also be remotely activated on a second processor operated by another user_id by detecting the first user's approach to such second processor. The first user is automatically disengaged from this second instant messaging session when the user leaves the location of the second processor.