A method including displaying a list of instant message conversations on a touch screen display, a respective instant message conversation including a respective set of instant messages exchanged between a user of a device and a respective other person, and while displaying the list of instant message conversations, detecting a gesture on the touch screen display. In response to detecting the gesture on the touch screen display, entering a deletion mode. While in the deletion mode continuing to display the list of instant message conversations, displaying a selection icon adjacent to a plurality of instant message conversations in the list of instant message conversations, detecting a first user selection of an instant message conversation, and in response to detecting the first user selection of the instant message conversation, modifying a selection icon adjacent to the selected instant message conversation to indicate selection of the instant message conversation for deletion.