By The Nepal government has recently unblocked Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and other major form of social media. This decision came after the nationwide protests, which sadly resulted in 19 deaths. Nhile the attempt in restoring access is meant to calm unrest, the larger question is: will it calm the anger of the youth?
Why Was the Ban Imposed?
The government had argued that the social media platforms were being misused to spread lies, create false narratives, and stir chaos. Therefore, the social media sites had to be, in their words, ‘temporarily suspended.’ However, for many, and particularly the younger generation of ‘Z,’ this move seemed like a blunt violation of their human rights.
Why is the anger still at a boiling point, even after the ban has been lifted?
1. Suppression of Voice: The younger generation consider the internet and social media tools that are vital for communication and expression. The ban was seen as an intention to mute them.
2. Concerns For The Future: With the high rate of un, coupled with a lack of social mobility and systematic frustration, many young people are deeplyanguished. For many, social media is a form of, not only, entertainment, but a means of earning a livelihood.
3. Globe-Trotting: Today’s young folks feel a part of the global community. Not allowing them access to social media platforms was to cut them out of the world.
4. Trust Deficit: The gap of trust between the government and the people has widened further. Merely lifting the ban will not rebuild confidence unless a sincere effort is made to listen and respond to youth’s concerns.
Why Will Gen Z Protests Continue?
Even the lifting of the ban is a step in the right direction, but that is all it is: a step that only resolves the superficial question. The heart of the problem is the disconnect between the youth of the country and what the government offers. Core issues such as unemployment, education, freedom of expression, and a lack of political openness will continue to push the people to protest.
Conclusion
While the lifting of the ban is a step in the right direction, it is not the culmination of the Gen Z protests in Nepal. If anything, it is only a sign of the increased awareness that the youth of today possess, and how ready and willing they are to fight
for the freedom and rights that are theirs.
