Generation Z or Gen Z is doing something different- they are not just participating in politics; they are redefining how political connection itself works.
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Every generation reshapes politics in its own way. But Generation Z is doing something different- they are not just participating in politics; they are redefining how political connection itself works.
Gen Z has grown up in a world where everything is fast, interactive, and deeply personal. They don’t sit through long speeches or wait for prime-time debates. They scroll, they react, they comment, and most importantly—they feel. For them, connection matters more than credentials.
This is why the rise of soft power through social media is no longer optional for leaders—it is essential.
Take Emmanuel Macron. During his visit to India, he chose to appear on a young YouTuber’s podcast (Raj Shamani) rather than relying only on traditional news channels. It wasn’t just a media choice; it was a message. He met Gen Z where they are most comfortable: informal, conversational spaces. Similarly, U.S President Donald Trump understood early on that attention is the new currency. His unconventional communication style direct, unfiltered, and often controversial cut through traditional media filters and spoke straight to audiences, including younger voters. (Joe Rogan's podcast as suggested by his son)
But beyond these examples lies a deeper reality—Gen Z doesn’t just consume content; they reject what feels artificial.
This is where podcasts and casual conversations come in. Gen Z prefers a leader who speaks like a human being, not like a scripted institution. They are drawn to influencers not because they are more knowledgeable, and wise but because they are more relatable. A podcast feels like a conversation; a news debate often feels like a performance. One invites you in, the other talks at you.
This explains why many Gen Z individuals would rather spend an hour listening to a relaxed podcast than 10 minutes watching a rigid news anchor. The tone matters. The authenticity matters. The feeling of “this person is real” matters the most.
We are also witnessing Gen Z not just as an audience, but as a force of resistance and change.
In Nepal, recent youth-led frustrations have translated into visible unrest and demands for accountability. Similarly, in Myanmar, young people have been at the forefront of protests against authoritarian rule, using digital platforms to organize, mobilize, and amplify their voices despite immense risks.
These are not isolated events; they reflect a generational shift. Gen Z is politically aware, emotionally expressive, and digitally empowered. They don’t wait for leaders to speak; they create their own narratives.
What many traditional leaders from Gen X and Gen Y fail to understand is that authority alone no longer inspires loyalty. Gen Z does not automatically respect power—they evaluate it. They observe how leaders speak, how they behave, and whether they feel real.
If today’s leaders—be it a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or any public figure--can break this code, something remarkable happens. They stop being distant figures and start becoming influencers in their own right. Not influencers in the superficial sense, but as voices that Gen Z chooses to listen to, trust, and even follow.
To do that, leaders must unlearn certain habits: overly scripted speeches, excessive formality, and one-way communication. And they must embrace new ones: honesty, vulnerability, and dialogue. Because in the end, Gen Z is not asking for perfection. They are asking for connection. And the leaders who understand this simple truth will not just gain popularity—they will earn relevance in a world that is changing faster than ever before.
In conclusion, Gen Z is not just the future electorate—they are the present force shaping narratives. Leaders who harness the soft power of social media, engage authentically, and position themselves as relatable figures will not only gain popularity but also earn lasting influence. The question is no longer whether politicians should adapt, but how quickly they can do so before they are left behind, because there are more than 377 millions Gen z population in India followed by millennials and Gen Alpha and where Nagaland is No behind who are more drawn towards screens than anything else... So future leaders and politicians and bureaucrats start investing and get involved with youngster not only during political campaign or addressing as chief guest but by breaking the barrier of VVIP attitude, remember GenZsss are watching you (Read the comments section in any news channel or political snippets posted on FB/IG you will understand). So better late than never.
Longshithung Kikon
Dimapur (Yimpang village)