From Hashtag to Impression: “Nepali youth, internet, and social revolution”

Kathmandu: Online spaces like Facebook pages, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, online bulletin (news) portals, forums, webpages, and blogs have boosted young people to think critically about societal issues and take action for transformation. These platforms have made it influenced youth-led movements and activism. For the majority of youth, the internet is their key source of information. Instead of books and newspapers, scholars habitually prefer to get information from articles and news reports posted online.

While media exposure and the internet have numerous benefits for developing critical thinking, they also have drawbacks such as info overload, reverberation boardrooms, and the potential for false information. It is crucial to recognize this, young people need support piloting these complexities. And they need to learn the ability to critically and properly engage with online content. Youth can get support from their mentors and parents, governesses, and the general public to make their argument strong.

Indeed, online groups have greatly aided the activism and movements directed by young people in Nepal and around the world. They are providing a powerful platform for young people to debate on social issues.

Young people in Nepal use social media platforms to mobilize and raise awareness about a range of social and governmental issues. Youth-led groups have used hashtags and internet campaigns to draw attention to issues such as women’s rights, corruption, conservational protection, and disadvantaged people. Online dialogue boards have given young people in Nepal a platform to voice their complaints, tell their stories, and engage with representatives. They are now confident and adequate to encounter accepted norms and advance society.

Online channels have been crucial in raising awareness and spreading information about community activities, disaster relief operations, and public health issues on violent youth protests “Petrol catches by Fire” like the movement “Enough is Enough” in 2020 during the pandemic against the Nepal government is also highly influenced by online advocacy.

Also supported by the people of Nepal as a result the pressure of the campaign led to a 12-Point agreement signed between the Government of Nepal and Enough is Enough Activists on July 7, 2020. Another “Taking the widows movement from Nepal to the global stage” is an example of how the internet reacts on the global stage.

Youth can now actively participate in resolving crises and meetings urgently. All credit goes to the internet. Anyone who can share their opinion, views can be freely on social media. It might be a writer, singer, dancer, comedian, or anyone having internet access. This has its pros and cons.

Every opinion on social media can either gain huge support or huge criticism. No one knows. Anything can happen. But every issue raised or opinion shared on social media platforms seems to be a temporary buzz. It comes with a certain period. The debate regarding every issue seems to lose its engagement with time. Many debates vanish without reaching any conclusion.

And that’s what we call understanding the limits of social media. People had already forgotten the campaign “Enough is enough” and maybe the campaign might even no longer exist on the official page/group exist in social media.

The Election Commission accused certain Facebook groups like “No Not Again” of spreading undesirable propaganda, detestation dialog, and misleading content about political parties, leaders, and election candidates. The accusation revolves around the violation of Nepal’s Electronic Transaction Act 2008, Election Act 2017, and the Election Code of Conduct during the general election held in 2022.

What should we call this? Is this a unique way to demonstrate against the government? Is this the demand of time? If yes, the major question is how they react to the apparatuses of the environment. In Nepal, after access to the internet and mobile, we have seen many active groups protesting against the government. Youths have stopped throwing stones in the streets but have begun protesting on social media platforms. It can be understood as going along with the wave of time.

But the question is why most of the demand doesn’t end with a conclusion. In the initial stage, many movements of the internet blaze like a fire in the forest but after some time they burst like Hydrogen filled balloons after getting some altitudes. This shows that they do not have a long-term vision and struggle with their agenda.

Some activist attracts these types of group by luring and guaranteeing fame and popularity to their member in short periods. As a result, they easily react on the internet against someone or raise their voice against the agenda they don’t have any knowledge on issues, research less information, and wouldn’t have any idea about the agenda’s long-term impacts. Yes, I agree with the points that you must be aware of the government and make them responsible for the act they have done. Voice of youth against corruption, for the seek quality education, seek good health, voice to raise women empowerment, a voice against poverty, etc. display their agenda for sustainable development. Most people including youths become victims of propaganda that might be a threat to society.

Although online activism is an exceptional and influential method to protest against government actions and societal problems, it should be acknowledged that it is just one aspect of a broader set of tools aimed at effecting change. The value of traditional forms of activism, including physical protests, advocacy, and community organizing, remains significant. Combining online mobilization with offline strategies can result in more comprehensive and influential movements. But the leaders have a great role to balance both procedures.  Instead of doing publicity stunts on the internet leaders must drive their agendas in macro and micro level management of their groups.

In conclusion, young people now have a platform through which to voice their concerns, draw attention to pressing issues, and call for change in underdeveloped nations like Nepal. But getting results depends a lot on applying strategies, attentively assessing the circumstances, cooperating with others, and remaining committed to accomplishing long-term goals. And adding a pinch of patience to hot blood would be a plus point for the desired change.