Final answer:
Yes, you can send an instant message even if the recipient is offline; it will be stored until they log on to receive it. This functionality is akin to how email services operate. Option 1 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, you can send an instant message even if the recipient is not online. Instant messaging services are designed to deliver messages to the recipient's account where the messages will be stored until the recipient reconnects to the service and retrieves them.
This is similar to email, where messages are stored on a server and can be accessed by the recipient once they log in to their email account.
You might think that knowing how to send an email is all there is to online communication, but there are additional tips and best practices for online communication that can improve your message's effectiveness and the recipient's experience.
Hence, yes one can send an instant message even if the recipient is not online. Option 1 is correct.