The Unraveling of a Nation
Nepal has witnessed a dramatic shift in its political landscape over the past month, marked by a series of events that began with a protest on September 8 and escalated into widespread violence. What started as a peaceful demonstration against a social media ban quickly turned into a chaotic scene where at least 19 protestors lost their lives due to police action. This incident, now commonly referred to as the “Gen Z” protest, has sparked intense debate about responsibility, leadership, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.
The initial protest was not entirely non-political, as it soon became clear that the aftermath of the event was even more so. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the primary agenda behind the protests was a regime change, orchestrated by what many believe are “vested interests.” The naming of the movement as “Gen Z” is seen by some as an attempt to frame the violent actions as youthful rebellion rather than a calculated political move.
The Politics of Naming
The term “Gen Z” serves as a powerful propaganda tool, reshaping perceptions and influencing behavior. It links youthfulness with innocence, potentially downplaying the severity of the actions taken during the protests. This narrative may have been effective in generating support for a movement that had more complex objectives. However, the use of such terms can obscure the reality of the situation, making it difficult to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
If a name is necessary, perhaps the 36-hour urban uprising could be more appropriately called the “Fall Protests, 2025,” which reflects the season and the impact of the events on the country’s institutions. The irony of the movement being initiated through social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, highlights the contradictions within the group. This generation, often referred to as Gen T, includes not only Gen Z but also late millennials who are adept at using social media for propaganda and public opinion manipulation.
The Poster Boy of the Movement
During the recent Dashain celebrations in Kathmandu, Sudan Gurung, known as SG, emerged as a prominent figure. He became the face of the Gen T protests, positioning himself as a leader within a movement that initially lacked direction. His journey from a volunteer distributing water to a key negotiator with the army illustrates his strategic acumen.
SG’s rise to prominence was further solidified by a poll on Discord, which highlighted his digital legitimacy. His image as an activist, agitator, celebrity, and civic organizer resonated with the aspirations of a digitally connected generation. However, his proximity to the interim political establishment has raised questions about his motives and affiliations.
The Attention Economy and Its Pitfalls
SG embodies the logic of the attention economy, where visibility equates to power. Each public gesture, whether distributing water or attending official ceremonies, becomes part of a deliberate choreography of meaning. His ability to convert fleeting moments into enduring images showcases his understanding of the digital landscape.
However, the politics of the attention economy comes with significant pitfalls. The first is the “information bubble” effect, where algorithmic media reinforces confirmation bias. Second is the emergence of “participatory disinformation,” where users circulate malicious falsehoods for partisan objectives. The third pitfall is the post-truth era, where everything and everyone becomes suspect.
The Legacy of Digital Activism
The analogic version of participatory disinformation was perfected by leaders who have long engaged in manipulative politics. Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal each played a role in this dynamic, ultimately leading to their downfall. Their collective failure underscores the consequences of decades of political manipulation.
As Nepal continues to navigate the aftermath of these events, the lessons learned from the “Gen Z” protests will shape the future of its political landscape. The interplay between social media, activism, and governance remains a critical area of focus for the nation’s development.
