How Clubhouse is encouraging dialogue in Lebanon among citizens and politicians

The voice chat app has become a way for people in the country to connect and engage

Audio-only app Clubhouse has allowed people in Lebanon to connect amid the pandemic and multiple crises. Getty Images

For many Lebanese iPhone users, a digital invite is the only thing standing between them and a world of dialogue.

Welcome to Clubhouse, where, once you're off the waitlist and on the exclusive voice chat app, you're faced with a plethora of rooms that are open to all, no knocks or keys required.

In every room, users find themselves lost in a sea of names and profile pictures, everyone patiently waiting for their turn to speak.

Why Clubhouse?

The audio, invite and iOS-only application was initially launched in April 2020 by entrepreneur Paul Davison and former Google engineer Rohan Seth, and was valued at nearly $100 million merely one month later.

Now, it's worth about $1 billion.

It grew exponentially in February, following a talk on the app by Tesla boss Elon Musk, going from three to five million users "almost overnight", according to Wired.

Among those enthusiastically using the app are the Lebanese, who have not shied away from jumping on the bandwagon, downloading the application and distributing invites among one another.

Under Covid-19 safety measures and restrictions, physical gatherings in streets and lively locales have been replaced with a virtual cafe that's only one tap away. The uniqueness of Clubhouse attracts those looking to connect, engage, discuss, listen and network.

The streets are deserted in downtown Beirut as Lebanon authorities impose a nationwide lockdown between April 3 and April 6, 2021. EPA

The lockdown and a 24-hour curfew will be effective until April 6. EPA

The curfew, taking place during the Easter holiday, is aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 infections. EPA

Lockdown comes as part of the country’s updated national lockdown measures amid worrying Covid-19 numbers. EPA

On March 22 the country witnessed the highest number of admissions to intensive care units since the start of the pandemic. EPA

Lebanon will implement the same restrictions for Eid Al Fitr, as the country struggles to curb the coronavirus spread. EPA

Lockdown comes as the country faces its worst economic crisis. EPA

Soon enough, clubs such as ‘Lebanon 2030’, ‘Lebanon 2.0’ and ‘Politics of Lebanon’ were amassing huge numbers of members and hosting rooms on all sorts of topics, from elections to governments and reforms.

Now, Lebanese users of different ideologies are coming together in the realm of one room to engage in effective dialogue.

Meaningful discussions

When reflecting on the state of the crisis-stricken country, the disparities among the Lebanese pale in comparison.

"People understand that Lebanon is in a real crisis and they're all experiencing existential dread," Marwan Matni, Lebanese journalist and political activist, tells The National.

“Everyone is scared of what will happen tomorrow, so they’re engaging in conversations to understand where they are and where they’re going."

Marwan Matni, journalist and political activist. Courtesy Marwan Matni

Users of all ages, professions, sects, backgrounds, religions and beliefs are meeting up in Clubhouse rooms to share their thoughts on the crises that have plagued Lebanon, caused by years of corruption and mismanagement.

Today, political deadlock has hindered the implementation of an urgent economic rescue plan, the formation of an efficient government and accountability against those who knew about the ammonium nitrate that decimated Beirut on August 4, but did nothing.

A helicopter puts out a fire at the scene of the explosion at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut on August 4, 2020. AFP

Smoke billows from an area of a large explosion that rocked the harbour area of Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

The aftermath of blast in Beirut. Sunniva Rose / The National

The scene of the explosion that rocked Beirut. AFP

The harbour area with smoke billowing from an area of the explosion, Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

A man reacts at the scene of an explosion at the port in Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP

The scene of the explosion at the port in Beirut. AFP

The scene of the explosion at the port in Beirut. AFP

The scene of the explosion in Beirut. AFP

People gather near the scene of the explosion in Beirut. AFP

The scene of the blast in Beirut. AFP

The scene of the explosion in Beirut. AFP

A wounded man is checked by a fireman near the scene of the explosion in Beirut. AFP

A resident stands in the street by a destroyed car, following the explosion near by at the port of Beirut. Bloomberg

Lebanese Red Cross officers carry an injured woman following an explosion at the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. AFP

Smoke rises after the explosion was heard in Beirut. Reuters

Firefighters spray water at a blaze after the explosion in Beirut. Reuters

People walk at scene of the explosion in Beirut. AFP

The blast at Beirut port. Twitter/ @borzou

Army personnel around entrance to port.

The aftermath of the blast in Beirut. Sunniva Rose / The National

The aftermath of the blast in Beirut. Sunniva Rose / The National

The aftermath of the blast in Beirut. Sunniva Rose / The National

The aftermath of blast in Beirut. Sunniva Rose / The National

Sailors leave their damaged ship near the explosion in Beirut. AP Photo

A vehicle stands damaged on a road following a large explosion at the port area of Beirut. Bloomberg

Firefighters try to extinguish flames after a large explosion rocked the harbour area of Beirut. EPA

People and journalists gather at the scene of an explosion at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP

An injured man sits outside American University of Beirut medical centre on August 5, 2020. Reuters

Men stand before wrecked buildings near the port. Getty Images

A man walks by an overturned car and destroyed buildings. Getty Images

Lebanese soldiers stand outside American University of Beirut medical centre. Reuters

Injured people stand after the explosion. AP Photo

People gather by cars destroyed following an explosion at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP

Wounded people wait to receive treatment outside a hospital following an explosion near the Beirut port. AFP

It did, however, set in motion grounds for dialogue that are lacking on other media channels.

"Clubhouse enforces respect," says a Lebanese law student and activist who wishes to remain anonymous. "If you don't want to abide by that, it's not the platform for you."

From digital rooms to real-world meet-ups

While other social media platforms can be used by fake profiles, Clubhouse allows for genuine and realistic conversations, explains Roland Abi Najem, a cybersecurity and digital transformation consultant.

“It allows people to express themselves with emotions like they would in real life because their names and voices are public.”

Clubhouse has served as an ‘ice breaker’ between groups that have long learnt to disagree with one another, he adds.

After participating in rooms with groups of different ideologies, Jade Dimien, a member of the Lebanese Forces Central Council, says he focused on finding common ground and sharing "similar values" with others.

“The application has narrowed the differences between groups and showed them the extent of common ground they can share,” he explains.

Roland Abi Najem, cybersecurity and digital transformation consultant. Courtesy Roland Abi Najem

The app's impact has even extended beyond the digital-scape, with users arranging in-person debates and discussions.

"It's important that we take what we learn in Clubhouse rooms and apply it into the real world," says Dimien, who is from Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city and one of the most impoverished areas on the Mediterranean. He has been actively partaking in rooms discussing solutions and projects for the neglected city.

“These discussions are a huge added value, and hopefully the positive impact will continue to grow with time.”

'Capable of change'

While Clubhouse may not play the same role that social media platforms did in igniting the Arab uprisings, it can help regain faith in Lebanon's protests which first kicked off in mid-October 2019, argue activists.

A protester throws a tyre on to a fire to block a road during a protest in north of Beirut, Lebanon in October 2019. EPA

Demonstrators sit together during a protest over deteriorating economic situation, in the city of Jounieh, north of Beirut. Reuters

Demonstrators gather in Sidon, Lebanon. Reuters

Lebanese riot police fire tear gas. AP Photo

Protesters shout anti-government slogans in front of the Government Palace in downtown Beirut. EPA

Thousands of protesters, mainly civil activists, condemned the proposed taxes that would go along with the 2020 budget, especially an unexpected government plan to impose a fee for using WhatsApp calls. EPA

Public anger has simmered since parliament passed an austerity budget in July to help trim a ballooning deficit. EPA

Protesters in the capital blocked the road to the airport with burning tyres, prompting a heavy deployment by security forces. EPA

A crows of demonstrators faces police. EPA

Lebanese demonstrators gather during a protest in Zouk Mikael. AFP

Lebanese army convoy waits for a blocked road to be open. EPA

An anti-government protester walks between burning tyres in Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo

Demonstrators run as they hold tyres during a protest over the deteriorating economic situation, in Dora, Lebanon. Reuters

Lebanese demonstrators take a selfie during the protest. AFP

Passengers walk to the airport after anti-government protesters blocked the road. AP Photo

Anti-government protesters hold a placard with Arabic that reads "Revolution," as shout slogans against the Lebanese government. AP Photo

A protester wearing a Guy Fawkes mask looks in Beirut's Salim Slem neighbourhood. AFP

Lebanese demonstrators wave the national flag during a protest against dire economic conditions in downtown Beirut. AFP

"After October 17, the ruling class tried its best to downplay the impact of the demonstrations," says Matni. "But Clubhouse can help the Lebanese see that they are capable of change."

The ‘rules’ of Clubhouse play an important part in facilitating dialogue about this, he says.

For example, moderators keep the discussion in check, cycling back to the designated topic and avoiding heated arguments. Even 'trolls' who enter Clubhouse rooms to start trouble have quickly learnt that unless they improve their communication, they won't get the chance to speak.

"They can simply be muted or removed off stage, so it teaches them to change their ways if they really want to talk," says the law student.

When you're in a room with people who are listening and forming an opinion based on what you're saying, you do your best to deliver a logical discussion

People are encouraged to speak one at a time, prompting others to listen. Speakers are then more motivated to present a valid and succinct argument.

“When you’re in a room with people who are listening and forming an opinion based on what you’re saying, you do your best to deliver a logical discussion,” explains Abi Najem.

This approach has broken down barriers and defied the perception of “us vs them”, still very prevalent in Lebanon, and instead brought people closer together, all drawn in by a collective concern for the country and its future.

“If things get worse in Lebanon, it’s not a chapter we can turn over, it’s a turning point,” says Matni. “We have to listen to each other because politicians won’t listen.”

'Politicians can hear you'

Many of Lebanon’s lawmakers and ministers have also joined Clubhouse to share their programmes and visions for the country, especially ahead of the parliamentary elections in 2022.

Despite offering promises for years, politicians were received on the application by citizens who welcomed the two-way communication.

“Regardless of how you feel about the politicians, it’s important to express your views and tell them where they went wrong directly," says Dimien. "Unlike other media outlets, on Clubhouse you know that they can hear you.”