Opinion | Politics of attention economy
Summary
The aftermath of Nepal's September 8 protests, initiated against a social media ban, led to widespread violence and political upheaval, highlighting the role of digital activism and the emerging 'attention economy' in shaping political narratives.
Key Points
- The September 8 protests in Nepal began peacefully against a social media ban but escalated into violent unrest causing deaths and government collapse.
- The protests, dubbed the 'Gen Z' or 'Gen T' movement, exemplify the politics of naming and the strategic use of social media.
- Sudan Gurung emerged as a central figure, symbolizing a generation that leverages digital platforms for political influence.
- The article critiques the impact of the attention economy and participatory disinformation on political engagement and leadership.
