Nepal’s government learned a hard lesson in the power of the digital generation: they will not be silenced. An attempt to ban the social media platforms that define their world has backfired, unleashing a wave of fury that has resulted in 19 deaths, toppled a prime minister, and put the entire political establishment on notice.
The conflict was, from the start, a generational clash. A government composed of a political old guard failed to comprehend that for Gen Z, social media is not just a tool for entertainment but a fundamental space for identity, community, and political expression. The ban was perceived as a direct attack on their way of life and their ability to participate in the national conversation.
This generation has proven to be adept at using the internet to challenge authority. Before the protests even began, they had successfully created a viral narrative about the corruption and hypocrisy of the elite using platforms like TikTok. When the government tried to shut these platforms down, it only confirmed the validity of their criticisms and gave them a powerful, unifying cause to rally around.
The deadly crackdown has now created a generation of activists who have seen the high stakes of political engagement firsthand. Having forced the government into a humiliating retreat, they are now pushing for more. This is not just a protest; it’s a declaration by Nepal’s youth that they are a political force to be reckoned with, and they will fight any attempt to silence their voices.
