On September 8th, 2025, a new hashtag, “Nepo Kids,” went viral on Nepalese social media and various other digital networks. The chaos that followed has opened up a new debate about the future of political activism. Protests erupted in Nepal after the government placed a ban on several social media sites due to non-compliance with the new stricter regulations. But to Gen Z, this meant the death of dissent. A series of deadly protests broke out in Kathmandu, citing political reasons such as corruption and authoritarianism, and the subsequent toppling of the Nepalese Government. But as the events unfolded, the world observed a new face of digital activism, as the country went on to elect its interim Prime Minister via a Discord vote. These events have raised a critical question in the political arena: how is digital and online activism evolving to promote social movements, and do the governments around the world need to be concerned?

Digital activism or Cyberactivism is readily increasing in capacity with the spread of digital media and online campaigns over the years. As more people join the over 5.6 billion on the internet, digital platforms become the most convenient tool for political mobilization and civil disobedience.

Even with governments across the world attempting to strictly regulate it, social media has advanced the available tactics for the masses to protest. The situation in Nepal is no different, but this example, along with several preceding cases, has brought light to the pros and cons of digital activism.   

Online mobilization “democratizes the ability to participate” in the political realm. It is a transformative phenomenon. This is as much of a con as it is a pro. Digital platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok, etc., effectively lower barriers to participation by eliminating the risks associated with physical sit-ins. While this allows........

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