Since the mid-2000s, the rise of social networks like Instagram and Twitter has profoundly transformed social and cultural communication among new generations globally. The Y and Z generations, born in the 1990 and 2000, have entered a “digital life” phase where their personal and social identities are shaped in virtual spaces. These networks have facilitated global communication and provided wide access to information, leading to new perspectives and heightened awareness among the youth, particularly regarding human rights, social justice, civil liberties, and women’s rights.
The Fifth Power
In modern communication, active social network users are known as the “Fifth Power.” These users engage directly with politicians, civil institutions, the media, and other citizens, aiming to shift the power structure from hierarchical to network based. Social networks are no longer just tools for information, but platforms for collective action, civil dialogue, and social organization. Generation Z plays a significant role in this shift, especially in countries like Iran.
Digital Natives
Born after 1995, “digital natives” are intellectually independent, creative, quick decision-makers, and socially sensitive compared to previous generations. The rise of this generation has posed significant challenges to traditional governance systems. The increasing demands of youth for political change and the growth of protests, from the late 2010s to the nationwide uprisings of 2022, show a deep shift in society’s relationship with power.
A Critical Perspective
Studies reveal that new generations have developed fresh, global, and critical views toward dominant political and cultural structures. Unlike previous generations, they derive their values not from traditional institutions, but from virtual spaces, digital interactions, and experiences. Understanding how this generation perceives and interacts with governance structures is crucial for analyzing political and social changes, especially in Iran.
Social Networks and Cultural Modernization
As political awareness and participation increase, the shortcomings of undemocratic systems become more apparent. The decline in trust in official institutions has led citizens to turn to unofficial means and networks to express protests and demands. New generations are redefining their relationship with politics and power structures via digital spaces. As public trust in governance diminishes, the desire for informal civil action grows, leading to a divide between the government and society.
Networked Citizenship
Despite widespread filtering and restrictions in Iran, particularly on platforms like Twitter and YouTube, Iranian users continue to access these networks via VPNs. According to the “Beta” research center, by 2025, over 3.2 million Iranians will be active on Twitter, compared to around 900,000 in 2021—an increase of over three times in less than four years. This surge demonstrates the growing desire for free access to information and participation in social dialogues among the youth.
Analysis of Generation Z’s Content on Social Networks
An analysis of content published by Generation Z during the 2021 uprising identified four key themes:
- A demand for transparency and justice
- Criticism of the government’s legitimacy
- Digital activism and Freedom of Expression
- Migration, Despair, and Escape from the Future
Justice in the Eyes of Generation Z
For this generation, justice is not just economic, but a dynamic and human concept linking freedom, human dignity, and the right to choose. They believe true justice is achieved when power is transparent, accountable, and when citizens are actively involved in decision-making.
Crisis of Legitimacy
Generation Z views the government not as a servant of the people, but as a self-centered system indifferent to their needs. The gap between the government’s official narrative and daily realities fuels mistrust in institutions and challenges the legitimacy of power.
Digital Activism and Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is central to this generation. They consider it not as a privilege granted by the state, but as an inherent human right that should never be restricted. In this regard, social networks serve as tools to reclaim the right to speak and foster a form of digital activism.
Migration, Despair, and Escape from the Future
One of the most common themes in Generation Z’s social media posts is the desire to migrate. The words “leave,” “future,” “opportunity,” “despair,” and “brain drain” frequently appear. Key reasons for this desire include:
- Despair over political system reform
- Economic crisis and lack of opportunities
- Cultural and social pressures.
Data analysis shows that Generation Z in Iran is redefining its relationships in both the cultural and political spheres. This generation demands a fundamental change in governance, moving from a hierarchical, authoritarian structure to a transparent, interactive, and accountable one. This shift reflects a conflict between two power logics: one based on authoritarianism, control, censorship, and monopolized decision-making; the other based on dialogue, freedom, and transparency.
In conclusion, the legitimacy crisis in governance is no longer just a political issue but has become a generational and communicative one. Ignoring the demands of Generation Z will lead to structural distrust and social fragmentation, making future reconciliation difficult.
Generation Z has become the main driver of social change in Iran. They are a reflection of Iranian society in transition, caught between global ideals and local realities, yet striving for a freer future with hope, creativity, and resilience. Responding to their demands is vital for the survival and stability of the current regime. Increasing executions and the growing number of youth joining resistance units linked to the nationwide resistance, viewed as one of the regime’s biggest threats, show that the government has yet to address the demands of Generation Z.
Dear reader,
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. We remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.
