The Gen Z demographic, encompassing individuals born between 1997 and 2012, grew up during a period of rapid technological advancement. This generation’s tech proficiency is evident, but they’re now protesting in Nepal due to a government ban on social media applications. The protest underscores the significant role these platforms play in their lives. This article explores the situation and investigates the time Gen Z spends on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
The Nepali government recently banned 26 social media platforms, a move that sparked outrage among Gen Z, leading to street protests. The demonstrations, which took place in Kathmandu, expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision.
The Nepali government has stated that the ban will be lifted once the social media companies comply with specific requirements. These include establishing local offices, registering with the government, appointing grievance officers, and implementing systems to prevent misuse. Platforms such as TikTok and Viber were exempted from the ban because they adhered to these guidelines.
A vicinotech report highlights that Gen Z spends between 4 to 6 hours daily on social media, consuming content like stories, reels, and short videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
In India, Instagram has emerged as the most popular social media application. Gen Z also frequently uses YouTube, Snapchat, and Reddit.
Gen Z users spend considerable time on short videos and memes.
Short-form videos, whether in the form of 15-second reels, 30-second YouTube shorts, or quick snaps, are highly favored. If content fails to capture attention quickly, it’s often dismissed.
Memes, with their humor, satire, and commentary on current events and daily life, are also popular. They are viewed as more than just jokes.
Gen Z tends to favor authentic, peer-generated content over highly produced, branded content. They are drawn to real-time updates from friends, creators, and even strangers.