Diffusion of Emergency Information during a Crisis within a University

Abstract Little attention has been given to the differences in information dispersion and interpretation during emergencies in collegiate environments which utilize diffusion. This manuscript seeks to add to social science knowledge via an expansion of diffusion of information literature by combining it with third-person effects and message credibility literature. In 2010, at a large Northeastern University, an alert went from the university warning students of a potential gunman on campus. Results indicate that high levels of third person effect were associated with greater sharing of information, and early knowers were more trusting of messages from both interpersonal and mass media channels than late knowers. Desire to share information was also more associated with early knowers, and theoretical implications are also discussed. Finally, suggestions for streamlining communication with regards to classroom policy are discussed.