For what may be the first time in world history, a government collapsed in just 30–32 hours because of a youth-led movement. In a country like Nepal, still in the early phase of digital development, it is natural to ask how GenZ suddenly became so aware, so united, and so brave. This question itself has become an important topic of discussion.
When we try to find the answer, one thing becomes clear: digital media played a major role in helping young Nepalis raise their voice against widespread corruption.
Until some years ago, social media use in Nepal was low. Citizens relied mainly on a few national media houses for information. Due to limited internet access, many people could not regularly read or watch news. Even those who could had to depend entirely on what traditional media chose to show. As a result, corruption and abuse of power by those in office rarely came out in public.
But in the last decade, internet access expanded rapidly. Smartphones reached even remote villages, and social media became a part of daily life. Along with this, Nepal saw a media revolution. Many new digital outlets were born to bring information directly to the people. When platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok started paying creators, thousands of unemployed youths entered the world of content creation.
A country that once had only a few media houses suddenly had more than 5,000 digital media outlets registered with the Press Council, along with countless unregistered creators. Anyone with a camera and microphone began calling themselves media.
These digital platforms started exposing corruption and irregularities with audio, video, and real-time reporting. The impact grew so much that the government had to reverse several decisions due to pressure from social media. Some ministers even lost their positions after their misconduct went viral.
One major example was former Minister Rajkumar Gupta, whose leaked audio of a bribe deal came out through digital media. The clip spread quickly, public outrage intensified, and he resigned within 48 hours.
For the first time, people living in remote areas could clearly hear and see the wrongdoing of their leaders.
Over time, this continuous exposure made young people aware of the political system. Many began to feel frustrated and angry at how politicians were running the country. This growing awareness slowly became the foundation of the GenZ mindset.
The Ban, the “Nepo Baby” Trend, and the Breaking Point
During this period, Nepal’s two largest parties—Nepali Congress and UML—formed a coalition. Normally, in a democratic system, major parties stay in the government and opposition so that one can keep the other in check. But for the first time, both big parties came together to run the government. Many people hoped this would finally bring stability and better governance.
However, even after one year in power, the government failed to meet public expectations. Instead of improving governance, leaders were seen protecting their own members from serious criminal cases. Corruption, unemployment, political instability, and rising foreign debt made the situation worse. Youth frustration grew every day. Social media became a place where young people directly criticized leaders, sometimes harshly.
Then, suddenly, the government decided to block 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn, saying they were not registered in Nepal. Only TikTok and Viber remained open because they were already registered.
This unexpected shutdown destroyed the income of thousands of content creators. Nepalis abroad could no longer communicate normally with their families. And at the same time, a new trend started on TikTok — the “Nepo Baby” trend.
Young people began posting videos showing the luxurious lifestyles of politicians’ children: foreign vacations, expensive cars, designer clothes, and a comfortable life far removed from the reality of ordinary Nepalis. The trend quickly became a national topic. Thousands, then millions, of young people began asking:
“What is the source of this luxury? Where does this money come from?”
Years of anger built through digital media, the sudden social media ban, and the Nepo Baby trend broke the patience of the youth. A collective voice emerged: enough is enough.
The September 8–9 Uprising and the Fall of the Government
This led to the birth of the GenZ uprising. Young people planned a peaceful protest on September 8, asking everyone to gather at Maitighar in Kathmandu at 9 AM wearing school and college uniforms. Thousands arrived early in the morning. The protest stayed peaceful until around 11 AM, when the crowd reached the Parliament building in New Baneshwor.
There, the atmosphere changed.
A few groups infiltrated the protest, and the situation became tense.
Police responded with excessive force.
A peaceful protest turned violent within a couple of hours.
Nineteen people were shot dead by police that day — most of them minors. The country was in complete shock. That evening, the Home Minister resigned. An emergency cabinet meeting was held, but Prime Minister Oli refused to lift the social media ban. Even after Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba pressured him, the decision remained the same. The government did not make any meaningful statement about the killings or the excessive force used.
The next day, on September 9, outraged youths burned key government buildings including Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, and the Supreme Court. Some houses of political leaders were also attacked. Later, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force publicly admitted they could no longer control the situation.
Around 3–4 PM on September 9, Prime Minister Oli resigned and left the area on a military helicopter.
Within just 30–32 hours, a youth-led movement had brought down the government — something rarely seen anywhere in the world.
But this uprising did not begin only because of the social media ban or the Nepo Baby trend. It was the result of years of continuous awareness created by digital media, which exposed corruption and made young people more conscious of their rights and responsibilities. The ban and the viral trend were simply the final triggers.
Nepal today stands as a clear example of how digital media, when used correctly, can make citizens more aware and united. But digital media also has negative sides — misinformation, fake news, twisted facts, and content that violates privacy.
Every tool has both strengths and weaknesses. Despite its problems, digital media helped inspire Nepali youth to raise their voice against corruption and stand for change. And that impact is now visible in Nepal’s history.