Big Technology Podcast Arab Spring Leader Wael Ghonim on Modern Social Media's Promise And Peril
Feb 24, 2021
Wael Ghonim, the former Google marketing director who ignited the Egyptian revolution with a Facebook page, discusses modern social media's dual nature. He reminisces about the power of digital platforms in mobilizing activism and the emotional conflicts faced during the revolution. Ghonim critiques the oversimplified view of democracy as a solution, emphasizing the risks of polarization. He advocates for thoughtful design in tech, balancing user experience with social responsibility, while calling for authenticity and genuine engagement in the tech landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Facebook Page and Egyptian Revolution
- Wael Ghonim, while at Google, created a Facebook page, "We Are All Khaled Saeed."
- This page sparked the Egyptian revolution after the regime killed Khaled Saeed.
Social Media's Double-Edged Sword
- Social media's role in the Arab Spring was initially celebrated but now viewed with more caution.
- Ghonim acknowledges both its power to unite and its potential for division.
Ghonim's Arrest
- Egyptian authorities found Ghonim by chance after following Jared Cohen, ex-Google, who was coincidentally visiting Cairo.
- Ghonim was arrested and detained, questioned about CIA ties, which he denied, highlighting government suspicion.