The Ghonim Power

Scientia potentia est...There may have been no known occurence of this phrase made by Sir Francis Bacon in 1597 (Sir Francis Bacon was an English philosopher, an author, and a statesman), but it sure did become considerably widespread. Knowledge is power.


When I read the article concerning the disappearance of Wael Said Abbas Ghonim, a Google executive and an internet activist, I could not help contemplating how powerful networking tools like Facebook has become. Social networks have the ability to connect those who are passionate about sharing what they know and helping others who are involved remain relevant in both the physical and digital worlds. In the past people have only used wired gadgets like telephone or ham radios. But people now use their desktop or laptop computers not just for work but also for entertainment and communication as well.

World wide web has grown so rapidly because part of its popularity is the advent of a new means of communication which is social networking sites. These are proprietary websites that can be used by common people to post personal profiles, pictures, videos, music and messages. Users of social networking sites can invite other "friends" to join their network to be able to view and share personal information on one another (Ezine). So just imagine what Mr. Ghonim did. Through Facebook he was able to spark the massive demonstrations. He even said: "I said one year ago that the internet will change the political scene in Egypt and some friends made fun of me :)."  And it really did. And I am pretty sure that for Mr. Ghonim, which ever place or condition he is in right now (and I hope in heaven's name he is still alive!), that what he all did in the internet have been all worth it.

Many people consider these social networking sites as the work of the devil. It can make or break. Remember this Filipina from Dubai who was "lynched" online because of her unsavory comments pertaining to Filipinos devastated by Ondoy? It was as if she was hacked into pieces by the  lashing, nasty comments in her Facebook account. And finally she said her account was hacked. But social networking sites are not just used for these kind of things. One can put it into good use by spreading one's advocacy, or posting pictures to their loved ones who live far away, or for job hunting, for  business, for getting to know  (stalking!) one's crush,or even for emergency.

Therefore one must realize that one can achieve something good or something bad depending on his or her intentions. If you want to hurt people with your information, you have the power; it also holds true when it is the opposite.  Because now you can achieve this so easily. Just post a status, or write a blog, or interact thru chat etc. But we are all responsible for our actions. Social networking sites have shaped our world whether we like it or not and it will become an indispensable tool when it's used for good and effective purposes.