The Gen Z uprising in Asia shows social media is a double-edged sword

It was the wedding of the daughter of a Nepalese politician that first angered Aditya. The 23-year-old activist was scrolling through his social media feed in May, when he read about how the high-profile marriage ceremony sparked huge traffic jams in the city of Bhaktapur.

What riled him most were claims that a major road was blocked for hours for VIP guests, who reportedly included the Nepalese prime minister. Though the claims were never verified and the politician later denied that his family had misused state resources, Aditya's mind was made up.

Over the next few months he noticed more posts on social media by politicians and their children - pictures showing exotic holidays, mansions, supercars and designer handbags. One photograph of Saugat Thapa, a provincial minister's son, went viral. It showed an enormous pile of gift boxes from luxury brands, decorated with fairy lights.

On September 8, angered by what he had seen and read online, Aditya and his friends joined thousands of young protesters on the streets of Kathmandu. The anti-corruption protests quickly gained traction, resulting in clashes with police, leading to significant casualties.

This uprising is part of a broader movement among youth across Asia, with similar protests occurring in the Philippines and Indonesia. Driven by discontent over entrenched corruption, young activists are leveraging social media to build momentum and solidarity.

Much of the anger has centered on young people known as 'nepo kids,' who are believed to benefit from their parents' connections, symbolizing deeper issues of corruption and inequality. The movements reflect a desire for genuine change, showcasing both the potential and limitations of technology as an organizing tool.

As the protests continue to evolve, questions remain about their long-term impact and the possibility of achieving real reform amid heavy-handed government responses.