Kathmandu- A directionless Gen Z 'revolution' in Nepal today - shown by spurts of online outrage, scattered protests and symbolic actions without coherent demands or ongoing strategy - stands to produce more sound than meaningful action.

Although youths energy and digital literacy provide incredible rapidity in bringing attention to issues like abuses, scandals and cultural taboos. Due to the inability to clearly establish objectives, create strong alliances and engage in processes for establishing policies, will leave movements at risk of co-opting, repression, disengagement and public fatigue. The lack of direction amplifies inequities within the country as rural and economically disadvantaged youth are left out.

Mainly, the focus upon visibility rather than institutional engagement, meaning that viral movement typically will not lead to a change in law, an increase in financial allocation or a significant victory within local governance. Further, due to isolation from each other's experiences and relationships, active youth will be experiencing increased isolation resulting in greater disconnection between classes in society, while the presence of increasing insecurity and mental health pressures will result in declining levels of participation in ongoing actions.

To escape from the transient disruptions generated by Gen Z activism, explicit, prioritized demands must be made, intergenerational, cross-class alliances developed and investment made toward developing civic education programs, establishing policy advocacy and establishing pathways for creating change through digital to local and institutional connections.

✍️ Narendra Bista - MPhil Scholar, Kathmandu University