Gen Z’s Rise Is Changing the World: Ranga Kalansooriya’s ‘The Youthquake’ Unveiled

COLOMBO: A new book by Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya, exploring the recent social and political movements among Asia’s younger generation and the growing influence of digital media, has been launched.

Titled ‘The Youthquake,’ the book examines youth-led protests and social movements in several Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Indonesia.

The publication explores how citizens connected through digital platforms are increasingly able to share information, shape public opinion and demand greater accountability from those in power, often without relying on traditional media institutions.According to the study, while the immediate triggers behind youth protests have differed from country to country, many of these movements have been driven by common concerns including demands for accountability, opposition to corruption, lack of transparency and poor governance.

Sri Lanka’s public uprising during the country’s economic crisis is also examined within the broader context of the changing role of digitally connected citizens and the emergence of new forms of civic activism.

The book also looks at how a younger generation, rapidly mobilised through social media, is challenging established political and media structures.

However, the growing influence of digital platforms has also created new challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create and manipulate content. Meanwhile, speaking to the Daily Mirror, Dr. Kalansooriya pointed out that digital platforms operate across national borders,while the legal and regulatory systems governing them largely remain confined within individual countries.

He said this growing gap has created significant challenges in regulating the rapidly changing digital information environment.

Dr. Kalansooriya also argued that Global South countries should work together through a common platform when negotiating with Big Tech companies, as smaller countries have limited bargaining power when acting individually.

He further highlighted the economic pressure being placed on traditional media organisations as global technology platforms capture an increasing share of local advertising revenue. According to him, this situation is also creating challenges for sustaining professional and investigative journalism.

Ultimately, ‘The Youthquake’ goes beyond examining the rise of Gen Z. It explores the emergence of a new digital information ecosystem and the challenges it presents to democracy, journalism and governance in the years ahead.

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