Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Time-lapse Imaging of Bacterial Swarms and the Collective Stress Response
Published on: May 23, 2020
Order out of chaos: the self-organization of communication following the anthrax attacks
1Department of Speech Communication, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia 30333, USA. freimuth@uga.edu
Abstract:
This article describes 5 communication challenges faced by the author as she managed the communication response by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the anthrax attacks of 2001: communicating uncertainty, selecting credible spokespersons, collaborating with other organizations, satisfying a competitive 24/7 media, and speed. The lessons learned in responding to these challenges led to profound changes in the way communication was organized in the agency. These changes are described within the framework of chaos theory.
Related Concept Videos
Deindividuation
Impression Management Techniques III: Aligning Actions
Levels of Communication II: Organizational, Public, and Group Dynamics
Inhalation Anthrax
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Steps in Outbreak Investigation

