15 - I Gave You Power

I was very intentional with the naming of this article. “I Gave You Power” is the name of a rap song by NAS (it’s explicit, but worth the listen). In the song, he tells the story of a person in multiple conflicts, but from the perspective of that person's gun.

I have three children, when I speak with them about being safe on the internet, to give them an idea of the danger they may encounter I describe the internet as crossing the street and looking both ways or holding the hand of a parent as to not be hit by a car. For my older child, I explain it like giving a person who is new to firearms a gun. In both examples, the machines are useless on their own. They don’t move or act on their own, modern cars are a technology that has in many ways changed our world for the better. In both examples, though they have changed our world, they have also been the catalyst for the great pain and suffering of humans. A person running at full speed can knock you over if you’re not paying attention but likely won’t kill you. A computer that is connected only to a local network can be accessed from your home or office, but the risk is exponential the moment you connect to the internet.

In an interconnected world, the role of telecommunications and the internet is inescapable in shaping how conflicts unfold, both abroad and at home. The power of instant communication, social media, and global visibility has transformed not only the nature of conflicts but also how they are perceived and understood. However, the divide between those who have access to these tools and those who do not creates stark disparities in outcomes and awareness. What responsibility do telecommunications companies have in this?

Abroad: The Role of Telecommunications in Global Conflicts

The Arab Spring: A Revolution Fueled by Connectivity

The Arab Spring stands as a pivotal example of how telecommunications can ignite and sustain movements for change. The proliferation of social media platforms allowed activists to organize protests, share their grievances, and broadcast their struggles to a global audience. From Tunisia to Egypt, the internet became a tool of empowerment, giving voice to millions who had long been silenced. The transparency and immediacy of this digital age amplified these movements and forced the world to pay attention.

Conflicts in the Spotlight vs. Those in the Shadows

The ongoing conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, Sudan, and Palestine-Israel reveal the dichotomy of telecommunications access in modern warfare.

• Russia and Ukraine: With widespread internet access, Ukrainians have leveraged telecommunications to garner international support. From real-time updates on social media to crowdfunding efforts for military supplies, the digital infrastructure has empowered Ukraine to tell its story and maintain visibility in global discourse.

• Civil War in Sudan: In stark contrast, Sudan has faced frequent internet blackouts, limiting the ability of civilians to communicate their plight to the outside world. The lack of connectivity not only hinders their ability to seek international aid but also silences their stories, leaving them vulnerable to atrocities that go unnoticed.

• Palestine and Israel: Telecommunications play a dual role here. While some stories from the region reach global audiences, there are instances where access is restricted, creating an uneven narrative that impacts global understanding and engagement.

The disparity in access to telecommunications underscores the power imbalance in modern conflicts. Those with connectivity can shape narratives, solicit aid, and organize resistance, while those without are left to struggle in the dark.

At Home: Telecommunications and Domestic Conflict

Domestically, the internet and telecommunications have become catalysts for conflict, highlighting both the best and worst of humanity. Social media platforms once envisioned as tools to unite, have also served as amplifiers of division. These social platforms run over the Internet, though the internet doesn’t have a lot of control over what these companies do, the Internet is the road these companies travel on. Some countries have regulated these roads as to not allow groups or companies to (metaphorically) break the speed limits of human decency.

From the spread of disinformation to the organization of domestic terrorism, the internet has been instrumental in transporting the escalation of tensions. It has been the conduit that has given rise to echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their biases. This polarization affects not only political discourse but also public safety, as individuals use these platforms to incite and organize acts of violence.

Yet, the same tools have also been used for positive change. Movements for equality and justice have gained traction thanks to the visibility provided by telecommunications. The internet is both a battleground and a beacon, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Opinion: The Internet as a Catalyst for Change

Telecommunications and the internet are neither inherently good nor bad—they are tools that amplify human behavior. The key to their impact lies not in software, algorithms, or legislation but in how we choose to use them.

The internet has the power to connect, inform, and inspire. It can bring light to dark corners of the world and mobilize communities for good. However, it also has the potential to spread division and hatred. The choice lies with humanity.

If we aim to use telecommunications as a force for positive change, it requires a shift in perspective. We must see one another not as adversaries but as interconnected beings sharing the same world. Only then can the internet fulfill its promise as a tool for unity and progress rather than division and destruction.