Nepal’s Gen Z Picks Interim PM via Discord app in Historic Online Vote

Post Views: 118

Nepal’s Gen Z Shapes Leadership via Discord Amid Protests

Kathmandu: Nepal is regaining stability after intense Gen Z-led protests, with curfew restrictions lifted on Saturday. The appointment of Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister on Friday marks a pivotal moment, driven by an unprecedented online selection process. Nepal’s youth harnessed the power of the Discord app, originally created for gamers in 2015 by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevsky, to choose their interim leader.

Initially a gaming platform, Discord evolved into a global communication hub, amassing over 25 million users by 2016 and gaining further traction during the pandemic, especially among Gen Z. Its servers and channels now host diverse discussions, making it a go-to platform for organizing and activism. Nepal’s “Youth Against Corruption” Discord server, with 1.3 lakh members, facilitated Karki’s selection through multiple online polls.

Intriguingly, media reports indicate that the voting may have included non-Nepali participants, as Discord’s open platform allows global access. This process was designed to guide the selection of Nepal’s next permanent leader, showcasing how digital tools are redefining political engagement in the Himalayan nation.

What is Discord?

Discord is a free communication platform designed for creating communities, enabling text, voice, and video interactions. Initially launched in 2015 by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevsky, it was created as a tool for gamers to chat seamlessly during gameplay. Over time, it evolved into a versatile app used by diverse groups, including students, professionals, hobbyists, and activists, for discussions, collaboration, and organizing. The platform operates through customizable “servers” (group chats) and “channels” (subtopics), offering features like file sharing, bots for automation, and integration with other apps. Headquartered in San Francisco, USA, Discord is now a global hub for real-time communication.

5 FAQs About Discord:

What is the primary function of Discord?

Discord facilitates real-time communication through text, voice, and video chats within customizable servers and channels. It supports community-building for gaming, education, professional collaboration, and social activism, with features like screen sharing, bots, and app integrations.

Where was Discord created, and who developed it?

Discord was created in the United States by founders Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevsky. It was first released in 2015 by their company, Hammer & Chisel (now Discord Inc.), based in San Francisco, California.

How did Discord evolve from its original purpose?

Originally designed for gamers to communicate during gameplay without lag, Discord expanded to serve non-gaming communities. By 2016, it had over 25 million users, and its popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting Gen Z and others for study groups, social movements, and virtual events.

What are Discord servers and channels?

Servers are customizable group spaces on Discord where communities gather, created by users for specific topics or interests. Channels are subcategories within servers, organized for text or voice discussions, allowing focused conversations, file sharing, or event planning.

Is Discord used globally, and who are its main users?

Yes, Discord is used worldwide, with millions of active users across countries. While initially popular among gamers, it now attracts a broad audience, particularly Gen Z, for purposes like education, activism (e.g., Nepal’s leadership polls), and professional networking, due to its accessibility and versatility.

Indiaworld Recommendation

UP TO 60% INTERNATIONAL BRANDS

Top Global Brands up to 35 to 60% Offers…Watches, Bags, Belts, Sunglasses, Hand Bags more and more

Buy Now

UP TO 60% INTERNATIONAL BRANDS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Recent Post