From reels to viral campaigns, GenZ navigates the digital sphere with purpose. Their online presence reflects how technology is redefining youth engagement. A study published in the International Journal of Novel Research titled ‘Role of Social Media in Inculcating Life Skills Amongst GenZ’ shows that GenZ recognizes and accepts the effect of social media in developing essential life skills.
The study also finds that social media has become an integral part of GenZ’s life, shaping personal lives and interpersonal relationships. Reflecting this influence on daily life, 19-year-old Biswas Giri (name changed) shares how these platforms have expanded his thoughts on different topics. He also highlights his preference for the short form of video over long-form, adding, “Visually rich content captures my attention without being overwhelmed by the long texts”.
Giri also acknowledges social media influence on purchasing decisions from clothes to books, stressing the power of online communities and the role of content creators in shaping opinions.
According to a 2025 study published in the European Journal of Teaching and Education, YouTube provides a platform for many to learn a diverse range of content, from motivational talks to self-help tutorials. The study notes that users can connect in a techno-driven world by asking queries and engaging in discussions.
Underscoring its necessity, 18-year-old Sabina Karki from Kathmandu says YouTube has become a fundamental tool for her studies. A 12th grader, Karki, explains, “YouTube is my most used platform to gain knowledge, as many channels teach online, which makes it easier for me to grasp the idea quickly.”
Beyond education, social media also enables global communication, making it easy to access information worldwide. Recalling the power of digital connectivity, 27-year-old Krish Acharya mentions the #MeToo movement, which sparked momentum online. “This sort of campaign on social media aims to bring systematic change and drive structural reform,” he asserts.
Social media’s role in business is equally significant. According to the National Business Association, promoting business on the internet boosts brand awareness and expands reach among a wide range of audiences. 26-year-old Sangeeta Thapa, who runs an accessories business in Kathmandu, shares that she promotes business using social media sites. Thapa adds, “I try to create appealing content that will attract customers.” For Thapa, social media is essential for shaping public opinions, and without using it, she says, reaching a broader audience would be nearly impossible.
Twenty-five-year-old Bibek Adhikari utilizes a digital platform to stay informed about current affairs. “Exploring the content across the internet helps me refine my idea,” he says, while warning about misinformation. “Many youths are trying to get information from the internet, but it is significant to verify the source, as many are misled by false content”.
As an example, Adhikari shares the knowledge gap among internet users in his village, Sindhupalchowk. “Many youth cannot identify credible media content, which makes it difficult for them to stay aware of the various messages they encounter,” he adds.
Recognizing Nepal’s rapidly changing digital landscape, it becomes vital to ensure that everyone develops awareness and literacy to navigate it responsibly.
According to DataReportal’s findings, there were 14.3m active social media user identities in Nepal in Jan 2025. Within this number, GenZ also stands at the front of the digital wave, shaping online interactions and trends.
“When the youth started to speak against the stagnant system and corruption in Nepal back in September, social media played a revolutionary role,” says Smriti Dhakal. She emphasizes the collective interest of all Nepalese to fight against the system. She claims that digital platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, contributed significantly to shaping the voice of youth.
While digital sites provide vast access to information, social media algorithms can also affect understanding by controlling what users see online. “Digital content gives me a sense of escapism, letting me explore different perspectives,” says Shikshya Gurung.
She adds that online content also shapes her way of living and gives her ideas about the eating culture. Gurung adds, “With content creators giving ideas about cafes and food, it makes it easier to discover new places to spend time”.
A report published by the Pew Research Center, ‘The Future of Well-Being in a Tech-Saturated World,’ quotes Tiziana Dearing, a professor at the Boston College School of Social Work, stating that digital technology can negatively affect well-being if social empathy and inherent bias are ignored. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of what content GenZ consumes.
GenZ engagement with social media shows diverse ways in which individuals navigate the digital landscape. While some use it for staying updated on current affairs, others use it for learning, self-expression, and entertainment, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this generation’s online presence.
