Google Executive in Egypt

Truly, Internet has revolutionized people’s way of living. The people’s revolution in Egypt is an attestation of the great influence of online activism. It helped to stir up the feelings of Egyptians and collaborate to dethrone their oppressive leaders.

Egyptian activist leaders like Wael Ghonim capitalized the advantages of using Internet to express their complaints on their government. Online activism is a venue for easier organization of militant groups. Almost every Egyptian already has access to the Internet, thus it was able to urge millions of people to participate in a massive demonstration. It is more convenient for them to communicate and it could reach many more people. BBC writer Anna Alexander stated that 80% of Egyptians own mobile phones. The unwillingness to tolerate injustices was taking place. Egyptians realized that they have the same sentiments which gave them courage to stand up. Unlike meetings that require physical presence, online conference cannot be disbanded and difficult to detect by the government. Communicating through technology is also safer, considering the unstable condition in Egypt where 700 vocal protesters were arrested. Khaled Said was even taken in a computer shop and beaten to death because of uploading of officers bagging confiscated marijuana. The anonymity of the activists is also maintained. Government officials will have a hard time tracking down all of the protesters communicating via Internet or mobile phones.

The death of Said was the moving force that led people to be conscious on their important role in throwing down their government. 600,000 people liked the page about protest against injustice suffered by Said. The situation in Egypt, thru Facebook was not only spread in all of Egypt but also of the people in the entire world. International news monitored the situation in Egypt. In fact, it obtained intense sympathy with foreigners that some just went to Cairo to support Egyptians in overthrowing its government.

Technology and Internet has become truly a powerful tool that can change lives of people. Every people can be heard using it. It brought back hope to people seeking justice.