AiBotLebanon is reeling under the weight of an ailing economy and a growing sense of listlessness among its citizens. As the country struggles to overcome the challenges of widespread unemployment, poverty, and a lack of basic services, many have begun to feel a sense of numbness and desensitization, which some have taken to refer to as “boredom.”
The effects of boredom are being felt across all walks of life in Lebanon, from the young entrepreneurs who are struggling to find meaningful work, to the families who are struggling to make ends meet. Amidst this backdrop of stagnation, many have begun to question the very foundations of their country’s institutions and the ability of those in power to provide for their needs.
The economy has long been a key driver of Lebanon’s woes. Decades of corruption, cronyism, and mismanagement have left the country with a crippling debt-to-GDP ratio, which stands at a staggering 173.6% of gross domestic product. This has resulted in crippling high-interest rates, which serve to suffocate small businesses and entrepreneurs, driving them out of the market and exacerbating unemployment.
Meanwhile, the lack of basic services has further eroded the quality of life for many Lebanese citizens. Power outages are a regular occurrence, the water supply is frequently disrupted, and the already-strained healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Against this backdrop, boredom and apathy have become understandable responses.
“Boredom is a way of coping,” said Beirut resident, Amal Khalil. “When you have no job, no money, no power, and no hope, what’s left to do but to feel numb?”
As Lebanon teeters on the edge of collapse, the government has thus far failed to address the root causes of the country’s problems. Politicians continue to wrangle over petty squabbles, while the population at large continues to bear the brunt of economic hardship.
“It’s as if everyone has just given up hope,” said Rami Aoun, a local businessman. “We need a radical transformation, a complete overhaul of the system, but it seems like no one has the will to make the changes required.”
The World Bank has warned of a worsening economic outlook for Lebanon, with further declines in GDP growth, a decline in foreign exchange reserves, and a potential default on international obligations. As Lebanon continues to slide further and further into the depths of despair, many question whether a country can withstand such an extreme level of boredom and disappointment for much longer.