Student Response:
      In the age of technology that we are living now, most parts of the world differ in their reception, usage and capabilities for the U.S.A. and other advanced countries. The difference in attribute towards the Internet from the United States and developing countries could be seen in cultural practices and financial strength.
      To most people, particularly the Afghans amongst whom the terrorists allegedly co-ordinate their plans; the Internet is not a way of being, rather it is a tool. There are other important aspects of the lives of the terrorist that is viewed or taken as a way of being- religion, survival, and family and or perhaps the "next line of action".
      The Internet is just there for usage if and when necessary. There are other means of communicating messages between members other than the Internet. Also the enduring culture communicative practices exist- meetings, mosque prayer, visitations and a trusted messenger. These mediums are cherished and are a way of being in that society (as well as others) such that the Internet will not replace them. Thus the Internet is just a tool.

Steven's Response:
      This brings up a good point. Just because the United States has the money to create new technologies, don't think that all nations are of equal financial status. Americans have become accustomed to change with the technological times and or way of life changes with these times just as rapidly. In developing countries without the finances to accommodate such amenities as the Internet, the uses of such technologies are rare and used in a fashion of any other tool. They use it to perform certain tasks, whereas here in the States we use it in all facets of life. This might change if and when less powerful countries become more technologically developed, but until that time, these nations will base their lives on " religion, survival, family and" perhaps " the next line of defense.

Student Response:
      Regarding the question, "Is the Internet "a way of being" or "a tool?" It is more of a way of being in America where the accessibility to the Internet is high. On the other hand, it is more of a tool in Afghanistan where the use of the Internet is controlled by those who have power in hierarchy.
      The impacts the Internet has had upon us are too various in physical and social levels for us to consider it just as a tool. For instance, the use of the e-mail has enabled us to send a great amount of information to mass people at the e-speed. Not only the capability to send or receive information, but also our perspectives of time and space have been changed. We are expected to perform a job within less time and broader space, which did not occur when the technology was limited.
      On the other hand, to Osama bin Laden and his Muslim fundamentalist followers, the Internet was a tool to perform a specific task: airplane highjack and suicidal airplane crash to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Amy's Response:
      You made some really good points. For instance, you pointed out that viewpoints are subjective to the environment. I agree with you that the Internet is a tool for us as Americans because the accessibility is high, versus Afghanistan where accessibility is limited to a very select few of individuals. Thank you for your viewpoints.

Student Response:
      I feel that possible terrorist communication on the web is a scary concept. People have had ingenious ways to communicate in the past. The web is just a new tool that can be used. I think that the terrorist communication is a topic that needs to be further studied but I feel that the government and military personnel are the ones that should be concerned.
      I feel that there is so much news on with regards to the terrorist attack. The American people are being affected in so many different ways. People have been diagnosed with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. People are afraid to fly, the stock market is not doing so well, and there is a possibility of a recession. There is just so much information that the general public is receiving that I feel there is just too much. The economy is already going down, businesses are not doing as well as they would like. People are afraid to go to work: buses aren't even safe now.
      The only thing that the public needs to learn from this is that the web is not as safe as most people would like to believe. People should be told that there needs to be Internet etiquette. Any other information will just scare people. I don't think that it is something that I need to care about. I don't want to know what the mob is doing, why would I want to know what terrorists are doing?
      So why does terrorists communication matter? It shows the American people how unsafe the web is and hopefully it will awaken legislators to enforce new laws to govern the web. Why should I care? I don't think that I should. The American people need to concentrate on grieving, getting their life back in order and ensuring that the economy gets better.

Maria's 's Response:
      Personally, I think that the events that led up to and including September 11th should concern us all and nor just the government and military. The government conceals enough information from the general public as it is, so if there is an opportunity to learn about a highly sensitive subject, I say we take advantage of such an opportunity.
      By learning about encryption and other possible methods used by terrorists, not only would we be gaining knowledge, but we would also reach a level of understanding that could possibly help us cope with such devastating events. By understanding the techniques used by the terrorists, we would gain a better understanding as to why they were used and with what purpose.
       We need to care about such matters because if none of us did, nothing would ever be done to help prevent future attack. If none of us cared about possible plots against our country, we would continue to be a target for those nations whose people do care.

Student Response:
      Of course it matters, I suppose they're playing with our lives, if you care to look at it like that. However, I chose not to live with that kind of fear. I really feel removed from it all. Perhaps it is because I've decided against taking sides. Everything we read seems to have a bit of a bias. I don't keep up enough on my own (under normal circumstances), so I'm not sure who is in the right or wrong. Perhaps we had it coming… I don't know.
      What I would like to make a brief statement about is one of your power point questions. You asked if technology makes us feel safe. If we are focusing on the more progressive technologies, my answer is no. Or yes, maybe it makes me feel "safe", but nothing more. In reality, they all seem to suggest fear. Why does my friend call me at night on her cell phone from the other side of the city as she walks home from the el? What, really can I do? I think it makes her feel safe, so I partake, but really…. Mostly I think that America has gotten so far out of touch with themselves that they need to always feel like they are not alone. How terrible to be stuck with no one to talk to or nothing to do but sit and think. Four in the morning in my studio apartment, and I'm not alone as long as I have my phone and an Internet connection. I don't know. It's a fairly cynical view, but I think we could be all right if we laid off the "progress" for a while.

Amy's Response:
      In the beginning you say that maybe you don't know the whole story. Many of us, as Americans, want to assume that we do know everything that is going on, and we don't like to admit that the information given to us is biased. In other words, it's okay to say, I don't know… I think in actuality that is how many of us are feeling at a time like this. Your viewpoints on technology and feelings of safety are interesting as well. You say your friend feels "safe" if she can talk to you on her way home, even though you are on the other side of the city. Many of us feel this way, but is it because of the technology itself, or just the sound of another voice that gives us comfort? Interesting points, thank you for sharing.

Student Response:
      I think that the role of communication technology matters a great deal on how people get their information and the trust that people put into their specific technologies. Say someone has a cell phone, which many people do, these people feel that if anything ever happens to him or her they can get help because they have a cell phone. This gives a very misleading sense of security. If your standing at the bus stop at night and you're alone in a bad part of town, your cell phone isn't going to send lasers out to ward off attackers. If someone's going to mug you they are not going to say "Hold on she /he has a cell phone. Lets go to the next person." It doesn't work that way.
      Terrorists don't care what access people have to communicate technologies. The Internet doesn't save people from a plane that has crashed into their building. The advancements made in communication technology have no bearing on the feeling of safety that falsely accompanies them.

Alexa's Response:
      This student has brought up a good point. I also believe that technology has imbedded a false sense of security in our mind. We are in an age where technology is available at every angle. Taking the example of cell phones, we are constantly reminded by "genius marketers" that this piece of technology is our safety net. Even our own parents preach "take this with you it will save your life." I can't even recall how many times my mother has asked me if I have my phone with me, it has become her way of saying good-bye and be safe. In a sense it has become a metaphor for safety. I know it may sound extreme, but I truly believe that a possible # 1 reason for carrying cell phones is for emergency purposes (where our sense of security is threatened). I think the time has come for us to be more self-reliant.

Student's (passionate) Response:
      Why should we care? Because the United States is proposing to abandon traditional constitutional rights and grant new surveillance powers to law enforcement authorities. Essential freedoms, once lost, are never regained. We are in essence lowering human dignity and respect for humanity to the same level as those who seek to destroy civilization.

Alexa's Response:
      Wow! I am right there with you! You seem very concerned for your right to privacy, which is something I firmly believe, is entitled to all. However, as person "A" stated earlier "it does not happen that way." Unfortunately, our democratic system isn't very democratic at all. Most win at the expense of others, and it is apparent that our essential freedoms have become limited in this time of danger.
       I really don't think it is fair that the government decides what is in the best interest for its citizens. Regrettably, that is exactly what has happened. The government has issued new surveillance laws that some of us may feel to be a threat to our civil liberties. So the focus moves on: Do we really have a choice in maintaining our freedoms?
       Picking up on your point about lowering our human dignity and respect for humanity to the level of, what I assume to be, the terrorists, I don't think that applies to those who have suffered the consequences of the September 11th attack. Perhaps this feeling can be applied to the individuals who have negated some of our human rights. I certainly don not feel that I have stooped to the level of a person seeking to destroy civilization.