2001-09-18-皮尤-American_Psyche_Reeling_From_Terror_Attacks_17页_130kb

US Public Response to September 11, 2001 Attacks

This report analyzes a Pew Research Center survey conducted after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, highlighting key aspects of American sentiment and engagement. Conducted between September 13–17, 2001, the survey polled 1,200 adults and found widespread public support for military retaliation, but also noted significant psychological toll from the events.

1. Public Mood and Psychological Impact

• Over two-thirds (71%) of Americans reported feeling depressed, nearly half (49%) had difficulty concentrating, and one-third reported trouble sleeping.
• Television coverage heightened emotional distress, with 63% unable to stop watching, experiencing sadness, fear, and fatigue.
• Women, parents, and urban residents, particularly in major coastal cities, were more affected, with higher rates of depression, concentration issues, and insomnia.
• Direct connections to victims (20%) exacerbated emotional impacts, often among higher-educated individuals.

2. News Consumption and Media Engagement

• Nearly 90% derived news from television, with cable sources like CNN leading in viewership.
• Higher engagement compared to past conflicts, such as the Gulf War, with better ratings for media coverage (89% positive, 56% "excellent").
• Adults monitored news closely (81% via TV/radio, 46% via newspapers), though newspaper focus declined slightly from historical peaks.
• Internet use was lower but grew for younger adults, increasing by 21% to 28% of users.

3. Support for Military Action

• Majority (82% initially, 77% under casualties) backed military retaliation, even with potential high casualties.
• The conflict was seen as long, with 38% expecting years to dismantle networks, but strong support persisted even among those anticipating extended timelines.
• Bush approval surged to 80%, comparable to post-Gulf War peaks under his father.

4. Civil Liberties and Security Measures

• Most (55%–82%) supported sacrificing some freedoms to curb terrorism, including national ID cards and expanded CIA powers for assassinations.
• However, support waned for privacy invasions; 57% opposed government monitoring of phones/e-mails, and 57% rejected internment camps for immigrants.
• College-educated and urban residents were more prone to demanding civil liberty sacrifices, but younger adults were less supportive.

5. Broader Social and Behavioral Changes

• Prayer increased (69%), and air travel reductions considered by 24%.
• Parents restricted children's media exposure, especially from polls, though not significantly reducing fear reports.
• Media trust was widespread, with high ratings for accuracy and reporting quality across demographics.
• Comparison to past events, such as the Gulf War or Oklahoma City bombing, showed higher depression rates but greater media addiction and political willingness to compromise liberties.

Conclusion

Overall, the attacks fostered national unity, but deep psychological scars and mixed reactions to government measures were common, with a balance between patriotic resolve and concerns about civil liberties.