ZeroFox Intelligence Assessment: Social Media Inspires Gen Z Protests

ZeroFox Intelligence Assessment - Social Media Inspires Gen Z Protests

TLP:Clear

Standing Intelligence Requirements

Geopolitical and Physical Security

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Key Findings

• In the last three months, significant youth-led protests have occurred across Asia, and parts of Africa, and Latin America. While the causes and grievances differ, protest groups across the world are united through the heavy use of social media, which allows them to amplify their causes under the “Gen Z” banner.
• Protesters have begun naming their groups after Gen Z, calling others to arms, and using shared symbolism to organize and inspire protesters elsewhere. This has likely led to increased turnout, more assertive civil disobedience, and greater media coverage compared to other youth-led protest movements.
• Gen Z protest successes (such as major government concessions) have occurred quickly, likely because of ubiquitous use of social media by protesters and the resulting enhanced visibility of protest movements. In turn, the successes are likely building upon each other, explaining their spread across borders.
• Countries with elevated levels of youth unemployment and large Gen Z populations (likely those in Asia and Africa) are at the highest risk of future Gen Z protests. However, even protesters in countries with smaller Gen Z populations or ongoing movements that predate the Gen Z movement have adopted Gen Z protest symbols.