Lebanese people on social media are experiencing a total disconnection from reality, as if there are no crises. They are shocked by what is happening and by the decisions made by officials, they fidget, and express their dissatisfaction with jokes shared with their followers and on WhatsApp groups. Even this state of disconnection has been seized by the government with its approval of the Telecommunications Ministry's increase in fees, which took effect at the beginning of this month.
Most Lebanese have been forced to change some of their communication habits and choices out of fear of the high costs they will incur for phone recharge cards, internet, and Wi-Fi. They have altered their phone settings and reduced their internet package subscriptions, while some have rushed to take measures to reduce megabyte consumption, such as disabling automatic downloads and limiting social media browsing to short periods, relying on Wi-Fi in workspaces even if it is slow, according to digital media and social communication consultant Bashir Tagherini.
To this group of Lebanese, Tagherini spoke to MTV about another group, the addicted social media users, stating: "These individuals, under the condition of ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out), will pay whatever the internet package prices rise to."
Humans are inherently in a constant state of communication with their environment, regardless of the means and mediums which may evolve. From graffiti on walls to carrier pigeons, to mail and telegraphs, the world has witnessed a qualitative leap with the advent of the telephone and subsequently the internet in the last decade of the twentieth century, turning the world into a "global village" and creating a new system for communication, expression, and interaction through social media, which has taken up a significant space in people's daily lives.
Tagherini firmly stated that communication will continue but may take on a new form, leading to a decrease in voice calls and messages, which will be replaced by written messages. However, he confirmed that the decision to raise communications and internet fees has "killed the entertainment for Lebanese people on Instagram and TikTok, not just browsing, with the emerging problem of uploading photos and videos."
He added, "The citizen pays out of pocket for something that is essentially their right and part of their daily life due to the thefts from those who have taken over the Telecommunications Ministry."
While he considered the Telecommunications Ministry’s decision to be cunning, he pointed out that companies operating in social media will face rising bills and will be forced to pass new charges onto customers, which may rise by 25 to 30 percent, and could even reach 50 percent.
From "rationing" in visits and gatherings due to rising fuel prices, we will witness "rationing" in communications. It will not be surprising for Lebanese, who always adapt to changes, to perhaps create a new way to communicate with their surroundings. Necessity is the mother of invention, and the list of the Lebanese people's needs is long.
