Internet Conduit of Information, Support

[BigBlueBall News]

internetnews.com

September 12, 2001

With telephone lines largely busy and cellular phone traffic snarled, the Internet quickly became a conduit of information, hope, support and anger in the wake of Tuesday�Œs tragedy.



"I can�Œt get through on the phone lines. Are you ok?" was the message that landed in thousands of e-mail boxes in the New York City area, as the old, reliable "killer app" became a vital link between people and their loved ones.



Survivors who worked in or near the World Trade Center, unable to get through by phone to reassure family members of their safety, asked others to relay messages. Frequently, the medium used was e-mail.



"I just received a call from a co-worker on the street -- he was downtown. He wants to let his family know he�Œs ok but I can�Œt get an outside line. If anyone reading this can, here are the numbers...," one person wrote.



Instant messenger applications also became critical for those who found all circuits busy when they tried to use the phone. People chatted with one another as the news trickled in -- sharing their knowledge about the whereabouts of others and expressing their disbelief at the events taking place seemingly right before their eyes.



E-mail discussion lists on every topic imaginable turned their focus to the events on the forefront of everyone�Œs mind. Some people used the lists to update others on their safety and the safety of other list members. Others inquired as to whether readers of the list had heard from missing friends, family, and co-workers. Many list subscribers offered shelter to those who couldn�Œt get home because of transportation issues. Mostly, people shared their feelings and expressed their support.

http://www.internetnews.com/IAR/article/0,,12_882771,00.html