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Ankita (name changed), a 24-year-old engineering student from Doti, never imagined that the person she trusted the most would become the source of her deepest pain. For five years, she had been in a committed relationship with her boyfriend.

Everything seemed fine until one day, whispers began circulating among her peers. She soon discovered she had become the topic of gossip, branded as “characterless.” People she barely knew began sending her abusive messages, some even crossed all limits by sending her obscene pictures. Confused and humiliated, Ankita tried to understand what went wrong. After some digging, she was shattered to learn that her private photos/moments shared in trust had been leaked online across several pornographic sites and on X. Her sense of safety collapsed in an instant. But the greatest betrayal was yet to be revealed, the person behind the leak was her own boyfriend. When confronted, his justification was horrifyingly casual; he claimed he did it “for a kick,” to “flex her” and show that she was “his.” The sheer hypocrisy and cruelty of his actions were beyond comprehension. To make matters worse, he was living abroad, outside the reach of immediate legal action.

Shattered but determined, Ankita, accompanied by her friends, went to the local police station to file a complaint. What she hoped would be the beginning of justice turned into another layer of trauma. The police officers, instead of offering empathy or protection, questioned her character. Some even suggested that she might have shared the photos intentionally to seek attention or favor. One officer reportedly said, “If you didn’t want it to go public, why did you share it at all?” It was a painful reminder of how victim-blaming remains deeply embedded in our institutions. The justice system that should have protected her only made her feel smaller, weaker, and more exposed. Her case dragged on with little progress.

The key accused her ex-boyfriend was living abroad, and Nepal’s cyber laws offered no clear mechanism to bring him under legal jurisdiction. The humiliation continued online. Despite reporting the images on multiple platforms, the content was not removed quickly. For weeks, Ankita could barely sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she feared another message, another notification, another reminder that her life was no longer her own.

Ankita’s story is not unique. Across Nepal and indeed, around the world young people are navigating love in the digital era without a clear understanding of the risks. With smartphones becoming extensions of our emotions, digital intimacy has become an unspoken part of modern relationships. Couples share private photos, videos, and messages as symbols of trust and affection. But few realize that once shared digitally, these moments are no longer entirely within their control. According to Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau, cases of revenge porn, sextortion, and non-consensual image sharing have been rising sharply in recent years. Yet, most victims do not come forward due to shame, fear of social stigma, or lack of trust in the authorities. The problem lies not only in the acts themselves but also in our collective response, a mixture of judgment, silence, and technological ignorance.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X have revolutionized how we connect, communicate, and express ourselves. They’ve given voice to the voiceless, allowed distant loved ones to stay close, and opened doors to creativity and social change. But they have also become tools of manipulation, harassment, and exploitation. On one hand, social media is a blessing enabling activism, education, and global awareness. On the other hand, it has turned into a breeding ground for cyberbullying, privacy violations, and mental health crises.

In Ankita’s case, social media amplified her trauma. The same platforms that once carried her expressions of love now carried her humiliation. Once the images went viral, there was no turning back. Even after removal, digital traces often remain archived in corners of the internet that never forget. This dual nature of social media raises a crucial question for our time: How can we continue to benefit from these platforms while ensuring accountability, privacy, and safety?

Earlier this year, the Government of Nepal sparked massive outrage when it proposed banning social media platforms that were not registered in the country. Thousands of young users protested online, calling it a violation of freedom of expression. While the frustration was justified, the issue also revealed something deeper: the need for balanced digital regulation. Banning social media outright is not the answer. But ignoring its growing misuse is equally dangerous. Nepal urgently needs clear, updated, and enforceable cyber laws that address the realities of the digital age. Laws that not only criminalize online harassment and image-based abuse but also empower victims with access to psychological support, legal aid, and data protection.

Countries like the UK, Australia, and South Korea have already enacted laws that allow victims of non-consensual image sharing to report and have their content removed quickly. Nepal can and must follow suit. Moreover, social media companies themselves must bear greater responsibility. Platforms should improve their moderation systems, provide faster content takedown mechanisms, and cooperate with local law enforcement. Without accountability both from governments and corporations the internet will remain a lawless space where justice is slow, and trauma is endless.

The act of leaking someone’s private pictures is not merely a crime of technology, it is a crime of trust. It weaponizes intimacy. For the victim, the emotional toll is often equivalent to or worse than physical assault. Victims experience anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma.

In conservative societies, where women are often judged more harshly, such incidents can destroy careers, education, and family relationships. Ankita’s silence for weeks after the incident reflects this psychological burden. She feared not only societal judgment but also the loss of her identity. Every look, every whisper, became a reminder of her pain. The healing process for victims like her is not just about removing photos or catching perpetrators, it’s about reclaiming dignity and agency in a society that too often blames the survivor instead of the criminal. Relationships should include discussions about boundaries, respect, and the risks of sharing personal content online.

For many, love has become an act of possession rather than partnership. Social media amplifies this by rewarding public displays of affection, relationship “proofs,” and constant validation. In such a culture, private love becomes public performance and when that performance ends, revenge or exposure becomes the final act. True love, however, is rooted in respect, consent, and trust. Without those, digital intimacy turns into digital exploitation. 

Love itself is not the trap, it’s the misuse of trust, technology, and power that ensnares people like Ankita. In this era of digital intimacy, love has become easier to express but harder to protect. Social media, with all its blessings, can turn into a curse when wielded without empathy or accountability. The same tool that connects can also destroy; the same platform that gives voice can also be silent. As a society, we must redefine both love and responsibility in the digital context. We must teach that sharing does not equal consent, that privacy is not negotiable, and that no one deserves shame for trusting someone they love.

For Ankita, the scars may never fully fade. But if her story can spark awareness, compassion, and change, perhaps her pain will not have been in vain. Because in the end, love is not a trap, it’s a test of how responsible we handle the trust it gives us.

To be a journalist in Nepal is to take on a role that is both revered and challenging. The profession is often seen as a picture-perfect job—one that demands precision, integrity, and diligence. Journalists are regarded as the eyes and ears of society, trusted to bridge the gap between events and the public. From the layperson to those in positions of power, journalists hold a unique place in society. Yet, while the profession commands respect, it is fraught with complexities that make it one of the most demanding careers in Nepal.

Despite being regarded as a prestigious profession, journalism in Nepal is not always valued as it should be. The job can be exciting and even addictive, but it’s also fraught with scrutiny. In my personal experience as a journalist, I have often found myself being questioned more than I question others. Even when working as a camera person, I’ve felt the weight of critical eyes observing me. The profession’s appeal diminishes when you face relentless questions about why you wrote a certain piece, whether you are targeting someone, or which political party you support. Over time, these inquiries overshadow the essence of journalism, making it a challenging profession to sustain.

Working conditions for journalists in Nepal are often disheartening. Many media houses exploit their employees, compelling them to work long hours for insufficient pay. Some even require journalists to work without pay for extended periods, promising eventual compensation that may never fully materialize. Monthly paychecks, when they do arrive, are frequently delayed, incomplete, or barely enough for survival. While not all media houses operate this way, such exploitation is widespread. These practices lead many early-career journalists to abandon the profession in favor of more stable opportunities.

Journalism in Nepal has evolved significantly, influenced by advancements in technology and shifts in societal expectations. Citizen journalism has taken root, content creation has surged, and online-based journalism has flourished. Digital creators who double as journalists have become part of everyday conversations. While these developments have opened new avenues, they have also introduced challenges.  

Citizen journalism and platforms like YouTube have further complicated the landscape. While these platforms have democratized information sharing, they have also been marred by unethical practices such as spreading fake news, using clickbait, and sharing misinformation. These issues have tarnished the credibility of online journalism and affected the public perception of traditional journalists. Being labeled as a YouTuber has become a point of contention for many professional journalists in Nepal. While some established journalists have embraced YouTube as a way to expand their reach, there is a clear divide between those who transitioned to the platform after years of professional experience and those who started on YouTube without formal training. 

Unfortunately, the prevalence of misinformation makes it difficult for the public to distinguish between credible journalism and sensationalized content. Nepal’s journalism landscape now includes YouTubers presenting themselves as reporters and numerous individuals going live on media platforms. This blending of traditional and modern journalism has created opportunities but also raised concerns about credibility and ethics. YouTube has undoubtedly created new opportunities for journalists, offering a platform to connect with wider audiences. However, it has also introduced challenges, particularly for traditional journalists who have spent years building their credibility. The platform’s larger audience comes with its own issues, such as the lack of regulation and the rapid spread of misinformation. This has led to an internal conflict within the profession, further complicating the already difficult role of journalists in Nepal.

The challenges of journalism in Nepal go beyond external pressures. The profession often forces journalists to confront truths they cannot always share. Hidden stories, suppressed narratives, and untold accounts weigh heavily on journalists. Exposing these truths can be dangerous, especially when they involve powerful individuals or institutions. As a result, many journalists in Nepal carry the burden of these stories, adding to the psychological toll of their work. The internal struggle to balance truth-telling with personal and professional safety is a defining feature of the profession.

Being a journalist in Nepal means navigating a complex relationship with the public. While journalists are often seen as truth-tellers and watchdogs, they also face criticism and skepticism. People frequently question the motives behind certain stories, assuming political affiliations or personal biases. This lack of trust can be disheartening, especially for journalists who enter the field with a genuine passion for uncovering the truth. The evolving media landscape has further blurred the lines between professional journalism and amateur reporting. With the rise of citizen journalism and social media, anyone with a smartphone can report news. While this democratization of information has its benefits, it has also led to an oversaturation of content, much of which lacks credibility. This has made it increasingly difficult for professional journalists to stand out amid the noise.

Despite these challenges, journalism in Nepal remains a dream for many and a necessity for others. The profession offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the public, shed light on important issues, and document history. At the same time, it can be a source of lifelong trauma, stemming from exploitation by employers, criticism from the public, and the internal conflicts that come with the job. For some, journalism is a calling that fulfills their passion for storytelling and truth-seeking. For others, it is a means to an end, pursued out of necessity rather than choice. 

Ultimately, what it means to be a journalist in Nepal is to navigate a fine line between truth and perception, between what can be reported and what must remain untold. The profession demands resilience, dedication, and a willingness to operate in the gray areas of truth and ethics. Whether viewed as a blessing or a curse, journalism remains an integral part of Nepal’s societal fabric, shaping how we understand and engage with the world around us. It is a profession that offers both unique rewards and unparalleled challenges, reflecting the complexities of the society it seeks to serve.

As Nepal’s media landscape undergoes a digital revolution, citizen journalism has emerged as an undeniable force, empowering ordinary people to take the reins in reporting news and sharing stories. With smartphones and social media at their fingertips, citizens are no longer passive consumers of information rather they are active contributors, reshaping how news is produced and consumed. But this shift has also raised critical questions: How is this new wave of journalism impacting traditional media? And what does it mean for public discourse and the accuracy of information?

Giving a voice to the marginalized

Citizen journalism is helping bring the stories of Nepal’s underrepresented communities into the public eye. Through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, citizens have become storytellers for indigenous groups, linguistic minorities, and those in remote regions. It has become a voice that might have been overlooked by mainstream media. This access to the media and journalistic tools is changing the face of Nepali media, putting the power of information into the hands of those who, until recently, were considered mere viewers.

If we take into account and try to figure out when it all started then the 2015 Gorkha earthquake was a turning point. As the disaster struck, traditional media outlets were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the disaster, limiting their reach to affected areas. Citizen journalists quickly filled this gap by sharing firsthand accounts, photos, and videos from the affected regions via social media. This real-time reporting not only provided critical information to aid organizations and government agencies but also galvanized public support and mobilized resources for relief efforts. Additionally, the citizen-led narrative shaped public opinion on disaster preparedness, pushing for stronger government response and policy reforms related to disaster management. Their updates provided vital information for rescue operations and connected people to help. This grassroots coverage filled critical gaps, delivering on-the-ground updates to a world eager to help. From that moment onwards, citizen journalism was not just a novelty but has become a lifeline.

Challenges to traditional media

The rise of citizen journalism has put traditional news outlets in a challenging position. With audiences now turning to social media for faster, more personal updates, legacy media outlets are facing a decline in readers and revenue. Some have even integrated user-generated content into their platforms to stay relevant, recognizing that these local news collectors who are just interested in filling their feeds are no longer competition but allies in a world that values immediacy.

But the shift is not without its risks. One of the biggest concerns is accuracy. Without the rigorous editorial checks and balances of traditional media, there’s always a chance that misinformation can spread unchecked. News isn’t just news anymore—it’s personal and, at times, unverified, leading to blurred lines between fact and opinion. If left unchecked, this misinformation can shape public opinion and discourse in troubling ways. Even with all the fact-checking and gatekeeping by many platforms misinformation finds its way towards the public who are more prone to the misinformation rather than the actual factual news.

Ethical questions and the need for guidelines

Citizen journalists also face unique ethical questions. Reporting live from the ground, especially during disasters or conflicts, can sometimes infringe on individuals’ privacy or unintentionally cause harm. The absence of training and clear ethical guidelines can mean that citizen journalists sometimes violate standards unknowingly, further complicating the situation. Being untrained but hungry for views and likes on social media platforms has raised more questions in citizen journalism, the viral videos have helped the mainstream media for news but more than that they have raised questions about the untrained and unprofessional news collection and dissemination methods. 

Furthermore, there’s the financial side. While social media makes it possible to reach vast audiences without the costs of traditional journalism, finding sustainable revenue streams remains difficult. Independent citizen journalists lack the advertising revenues that keep traditional media afloat, limiting their ability to pursue stories in depth or over the long term.

A new era for public discourse?

Despite the challenges, citizen journalism in Nepal has undoubtedly brought diversity and democratization to the nation’s media. From holding government officials accountable to giving voice to grassroots movements, citizen journalists have shown that they are willing and able to shape the news themselves.

For citizen journalism to thrive responsibly in Nepal, developing ethical guidelines and providing training in media literacy is essential. A strong foundation can help these citizen journalists cover stories with the integrity and professionalism that audiences deserve. Funding models, too, need innovation—partnerships, crowdfunding, or nonprofit support could ensure that citizen journalism doesn’t fizzle out due to a lack of resources.

As citizen journalism continues to grow, it’s clear that both the challenges and the promise it holds are immense. But at its heart, it signals an exciting new direction for Nepali media: one where every individual has the potential to tell the stories that matter most to them, redefining not only who tells the news but what news truly is. In this evolving media ecosystem, it is the responsibility of both traditional and citizen journalists to work together to build a well-informed, engaged society that values truth, diversity, and inclusivity.