Listen to the article
In the streets of Beirut, night and day, people are glued to their smartphones, constantly on the lookout for any bit of news. It’s fair to say the Lebanese could compete in the Olympics for staying connected to information and sweep all the medals.
Every resident of this unique country has a dozen apps on their device, flooding them with a constant flow of both true and false information. With every alert, the phones ring. At the office, in the car, in restaurants, at home… everywhere. Amidst casual conversations, people are practically glued to their screens, each taking pride in being the first to share the latest news they’ve just read.
Next comes the analyses. “They’re going to strike tonight,” “ not a chance, they’re just trying to scare us,” “they’ll launch a surprise attack,” “there aren’t any weapons caches in our area,” “let’s hope they don’t hit the airport—I paid $1,000 for my ticket to Greece”… In short, it’s the usual hubbub.
Because, naturally, we’re surrounded by experts in every conceivable field. Beirut residents don’t even bother stockpiling food or filling up their private car fleets anymore. Fatigue and fatalism have become the norm. And by the end of the evening, the conclusion of the discussion is invariably the same: “Iza darabo” (if they hit), wake me up.” Before turning in, everyone, while putting on a brave face, makes sure to leave their windows slightly open. After all, with the blast of bombs… old habits die hard!
