Kathmandu- The recent upheavals in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have once again spotlighted how social media acts as a megaphone — exposing societal cracks while amplifying demands for accountability.
It has been repeatedly likened to a weapon — one that can be wielded for good or ill.
“Gen Z are ‘digital natives’ who grew up with the internet and social media, and therefore understand the nuances of these platforms,” explained Dr. Sambit Pal, Director-in-Charge of the International School of Broadcasting and Journalism at MIT Art, Design and Technology University in Pune.
Generation Z, or Gen Z — the group now at the forefront of Nepal’s protests — refers to those born between 1997 and 2012.
“Social media platforms have allowed them to bypass traditional media gatekeepers, shape narratives, and mobilise collective responses to issues of governance,” Dr. Pal added.
Research shows that social media campaigns can boost voter turnout, ignite protests against corruption, and sustain civic dialogue in places where mainstream media remains restricted.
“From the Arab Spring to movements across South Asia, protestors have turned to the internet — a powerful communication tool that offers maximum reach with minimal cost, unhampered by geographical barriers,” said Joydeep Das Gupta, Founder-Director of Media Skills Lab, an institute specialising in media literacy, fact-checking, AI literacy, data journalism, and solutions journalism.
A Forbes Communications Council post notes that “not all social media platforms are created equal,” stressing that each has its own user base, interaction patterns, and quirks. The article outlines 13 best practices — from identifying business nature and focusing on core audiences, to competitor research and digital footprint strategy. Many of these principles echo the strategies of Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu, who emphasised the importance of knowing one’s opponent.
“With the democratisation of the internet, accessibility is no longer an issue,” Das Gupta pointed out. “That’s how messages spread quickly and movements gain momentum.”
Those skilled in social media, Dr. Pal explained, can identify entry points that spark interest and increase engagement, eventually pushing posts to go viral.
As a result, governments facing unrest often move to restrict social media or shut down internet services altogether to contain dissent.
During Sri Lanka’s 2022 protests, authorities declared a state of emergency, imposed curfews, and briefly blocked social media. Bangladesh adopted a similar approach, while in Nepal, bans were lifted after violent clashes erupted in Kathmandu.
However, such restrictions are temporary. Since the platforms are privately owned, outright censorship often draws criticism for stifling free speech.
What complicates matters further are platform algorithms, which determine what content people see or miss. Legislators have suggested regulating these algorithms to curb child exploitation, violent content, and misinformation — proposing a kind of “building code” for digital platforms with mandatory safety standards.
But when it comes to political and social messages, experts argue these cannot — and should not — be constrained.
With inputs from IANS