System and Method for Enabling Voice and Video Communications Using a Messaging Application

An electronic device comprising a processor, memory, and a communication module, the memory comprising computer executable instructions to:

• present a presence status menu on a communication device, the presence status menu providing options in an instant messaging application;
• receive a selection of a particular presence status option from a user of the communication device, the particular presence status option, when selected, enabling selective blocking of an incoming communication based on media type of the incoming communication, such that a voice or video communication is blocked, while allowing an incoming instant message text-based communication;
• identify a blocked incoming voice or video communication in an instant messaging conversation user interface;
• designate a caller of the blocked incoming voice or video communication as a blocked contact in a list of instant messaging contacts;
• and
• based upon the user subsequently initiating an outgoing voice or video communication to the blocked contact using the instant messaging application, present a disconnection message at an end of the outgoing voice or video communication to the blocked contact, the disconnection message including a prompt to remove the blocked contact's designation of blocked in the list of instant messaging contacts.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer executable instructions to:

• present a presence status menu on a communication device, the presence status menu providing options in an instant messaging application;
• receive a selection of a particular presence status option from a user of the communication device, the particular presence status option, when selected, enabling selective blocking of an incoming communication based on media type of the incoming communication, such that a voice or video communication is blocked, while allowing an incoming instant message text-based communication;
• identify a blocked incoming voice or video communication in an instant messaging conversation user interface;
• designate a caller of the blocked incoming voice or video communication as a blocked contact in a list of instant messaging contacts;
• and
• based upon the user subsequently initiating an outgoing voice or video communication to the blocked contact using the instant messaging application, present a disconnection message at an end of the outgoing voice or video communication to the blocked contact, the disconnection message including a prompt to remove the blocked contact's designation of blocked in the list of instant messaging contacts.