Social Media And Elections

In Nepal, election campaigns are still deeply rooted in physical interaction. Candidates meet voters and citizens in person, go from village to village, and host public events. Even in the most recent election, many candidates spent weeks visiting different cities and districts to personally ask for votes. However, in addition to these traditional methods, social media has become an effective and powerful medium for influencing public opinion. 

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter (X) have grown to become significant platforms for political discourse. A large amount of public discourse about politics now takes place online. This online political energy was especially evident during the last year's Gen Z protest, when social media turned dissatisfaction into a collective movement.  

A large part of the population, especially young people, gets information, news, and political information online. Social media is where a lot of young Nepalis first become aware of politics. Unlike older generations who relied mainly on newspapers or television, today’s youth encounter political discussions through videos, online debates, and posts. Social media is now a powerful medium for voicing dissatisfaction, criticism, and political expectations. 

 The Gen Z protest is a prime example of this effect. These protests were largely fuelled by frustration with corruption, nepotism, unemployment, and a lack of political accountability. Much of this anger first appeared online. Young people shared posts, memes, and videos criticising political leaders and questioning the system. Thousands who shared the same frustration were able to learn they were not alone. The comment section debates quickly evolved into structured discussions about political reform. The issues were widely shared among youth.

This digital dissatisfaction eventually spilled into the streets. Many of the Gen Z protests were organised through social media platforms where information about gathering points, protest themes, and political demands circulated rapidly. What began as online frustration became a real political mobilisation. This moment showed something important about Nepal’s political environment: social media is no longer just a place for entertainment or casual communication; it has become a space where political consciousness develops. 

Now, during elections, the impact of that political awareness can be seen clearly. Candidates' speeches, pledges, and deeds are continuously debated online. Within minutes of a candidate visiting a city or making a statement, videos of that event frequently surface on social media.  Thousands more individuals then share, debate, or critique these posts. While campaigns may still take place in person, they are frequently interpreted online. 

Social media serves as a tool for accountability as well. Videos of local issues or political speeches are regularly recorded by citizens and posted online. Sometimes these videos become viral, compelling authorities or politicians to take action. Social media puts pressure on leaders to be more accountable and transparent.  Social media’s influence on voter perception is another significant effect. Young voters pay attention to online discussions about political candidates. People’s perceptions of political figures can be influenced by debate and criticism. A single controversial statement or unpopular decision can quickly damage a politician’s reputation. 

However, social media does not always have a favourable impact. One major concern is the spread of misinformation. False claims, edited videos, or misleading political messages can circulate rapidly online, making it difficult to distinguish between fact and opinion.  Notwithstanding these obstacles, social media and political engagement are increasingly becoming stronger. Young people are willing to speak up when they believe the system is not working for them. Social media has become an important bridge between public frustration and democratic participation. Elections then provide the opportunity to turn those frustration into real political choice.