How Computer Mediated Communication Provided Support Systems

After the September 11th attacks and the Affect it had on America

 

“For the first time the nation and the world could talk to itself,

doing what humans do when the innocent suffer: cry, comfort, inform, and

most important tell the story together.”

                                        Quote from e-newsletter writer, David Weinberg, regarding

the nation recovering from the attacks on September 11th

 

Computer Mediated Communication took on a new responsibility after the attacks on September 11th. CMC’s had the responsibility of helping individuals deal with a national tragedy. 

 

Just how many people used and relied on Computer Mediated Communication?

-           1/3 of internet users, over 30 million people posted or read comments about the attacks on a web site, bulletin boards, chat rooms, e-mail, or listserv.

-           Eighty-Two percent of Internet users, more than 80 million people, reached out to family and loved ones by phone and e-mail within 48 hours of the attacks.

-           4-5 million people turned to e-mail to communicate with friends, family, and co-workers around the world when their phone lines were not working.

For more information visit: http://www.pewinternet.org/

 

What did CMC provide individuals with?

-           Provided individuals with the ability to make contact with friends, co-workers, and family.  This allowed individuals to share feelings, ideas, and news regarding the attacks.

-           Provided information regarding the dead and missing.

-           Provided a place for American’s to express patriotism.

 

What advantages did CMC users have over non-users?

-           CMC users had more tools: they were able to find out where to volunteer, donate blood, and contribute to relief efforts for victims and their families.  They were able to do this easier and more efficiently than non-users.  Also, research from pewinternet.org stated that CMC users were more likely to participate in relief efforts than non-users.

-           CMC gave individuals a place to express ideas with little fear of criticism from friends or family.

-          Allowed individuals to gain perspectives from around the nation and across the world.

 

How has the use of CMC changed the nation and the world?

-           No longer do the media control public opinions.  Individuals are now able to discuss, interpret, and analyze information with other individuals through the use of CMC.  Before media fed individuals their opinions, individuals now have the resources to form their own opinions.

-           The country has come together stronger than ever and formed a cohesive state.

-           CMC created a mood for the nation.

-           CMC allowed the nation and the world to come together like never before.  The easy access to information and freedom of speech allowed for individuals to gain a wealth of information and pull together to make America stronger.

 

 

Last Advised By:  Alisha Kamminga

On:  December 2, 2001