What is this new feature and how to turn it off?

[antonkrag]

[Matt-LACA]

Why would you not want to show their current status message? Wouldn't you like to know if they are there or not and if you should expect an immediate response? I think it's conveniently located there, right by where you're typing so you don't miss it and is pretty clever way to do it.

Here knowing this person is at their desk, I personally find, very helpful.