In the past, the year 2019 was commonly referred to as “the year of the protest,” with widespread civil unrest witnessed from Hong Kong to Egypt. Prior to that, the year 2011 was marked by significant events such as Occupy Wall Street and the pro-democracy uprisings of the Arab Spring in the Middle East.
Now, experts are suggesting that the title of a new era of protests could be claimed by the year 2025, with the emergence of what are being termed as Gen-Z protests spreading globally. Shana MacDonald, the O’Donovan Chair in Communication at the University of Waterloo, who specializes in social and digital media research, believes that this protest culture could become a global phenomenon.
Recent weeks have seen a surge of youth-led protests in Nepal, Morocco, and Madagascar, all driven by online mobilization and frustration towards government corruption or inefficiency. The demands vary across regions, with Moroccan youth advocating for social justice reforms and improved public services in preparation for hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
In Madagascar, protestors are highlighting the lack of reliable electricity and water supply, while in Nepal, demonstrations stem from allegations of long-standing corruption and nepotism, further fueled by a temporary social media ban imposed by the government. The prime minister of Nepal, K.P. Sharma Oli, resigned amid growing discontent among the populace.
These protests are not isolated incidents, as similar youth-led movements have emerged in the Philippines, Indonesia, Serbia, Kenya, Paraguay, and Peru. The common denominator among these protests is the dissatisfaction with governance, limited opportunities, and pervasive inequality, as explained by Michelle Chen, an assistant professor at Brock University specializing in the impact of social media on social movements.
The power of social media in uniting voices and driving movements has been evident in these protests, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord serving as organizing tools for the youth. The utilization of digital technologies has accelerated the mobilization process, creating a sense of collective experience among the protestors.
While youth-led protests are not a new phenomenon, the ease of mobilization facilitated by digital tools has made them more prevalent in recent times. This collective action reflects a growing discontent with societal inequalities and injustices, prompting young people to view protest as a means of voicing their concerns.
Looking ahead, 2025 could potentially be remembered as another significant year of protests, with the current wave of Gen-Z protests possibly just the beginning of a larger global movement.
