The Benefits and Curses of Electronic Mail

Abstract

Considers why the use of electronic mail has developed so rapidly over the last decade and its impacts (both positive and negative) upon the information professions. Describes the difficulties and frustrations experienced with early electronic mail systems, such as the need to learn a limited range of commands and a specific syntax; messages received lacking signature files and unintelligible return addresses; and difficulties in tracking down addresses of individuals. Points to the increased flexibility and reduced formality compared to traditional mail and its superiority to the telephone through the textual record which may be filed. Points to its disadvantages, which are becoming increasingly obvious, including: dissemination of computer viruses and virus hoaxes; unsolicited mail (sometimes offensive); lack of any form of electronically verifiable signature; potential lack of security; lack of associated semantic information (tone of voice, facial expression, gesticulation) leading to misunderstandings; and the increasing volume of communication. Concludes that electronic mail, with its many benefits and pitfalls, has not yet had time to mature and should be used with care.