Gen Z and the Struggle for Truth: Beyond Manipulation, Toward Justice

Latiful Kabir

In 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a massive upheaval—the July Movement. For many in Gen Z, it was the first time we took to the streets in such numbers, fueled by a sense of urgency about democracy, justice, and our future. We marched, protested, and raised our voices. But in the middle of this surge, we also faced something we were not prepared for: manipulation.

You may already know the classical definition of the term: Manipulation. Yes, it is the act of influencing someone’s thoughts, emotions, or decisions in a way that primarily benefits the manipulator, often without the person realizing the full extent of that influence. It’s not always outright lying, as is the case for deception; you know it. Instead, it’s about steering people toward a desired outcome by exploiting psychology, emotions, or selective truths. For example, a political leader floods social media with emotionally charged slogans to rally youth without explaining the real implications of their policies.

Here is a clue, and as a smart citizen of the future world, you must hold your emotions before becoming a victim of such manipulation.

The Trap of Simplified Narratives

Social media platforms became the main arena of activism, but also the battlefield for propaganda. Half-truths, edited videos, and emotional slogans spread faster than verified facts. Our ideals of justice were often twisted to serve someone else’s agenda. This left many of us asking: Were we truly fighting for ourselves, or were we being used?

Why Gen Z Must Stay Awake

Our generation has one advantage over any before us: access to information. But with that comes responsibility. To honour our role in society, we must learn to:

• Question everything we see online.
• Verify sources before believing or sharing.
• Think critically about who benefits from a certain narrative.

The July Movement showed us that passion without clarity can be dangerous. Now, the truth is exposed, and we have become helpless. Being a conscious citizen, as we think of ourselves, that should not have happened to us. The Gen Z of Nepal acted quickly and let the politician take control of the steering wheel. Why, we, the Bangladeshi Gen Z, taking so long? Someone blames our IQ level! Really?

Justice Is More Than a Slogan

Bangabandhu’s vision was not about power struggles—it was about dignity, equality, and justice for ordinary people. If we, Gen Z, are serious about carrying that forward, we must move beyond hashtags and confront the deeper structures of injustice: corruption, inequality, and intolerance.

The Path Forward

Manipulation can never be eliminated entirely, but awareness can weaken its power. Gen Z must demand accountability not only from governments but also from media houses, political groups, and even influencers.

We are not just “the future.” We are also the present. Our task is not to be pawns in someone else’s game, but to shape the rules of the game itself.

Call to Action for Gen Z:
Stay informed, stay skeptical, and stay united. Justice and democracy cannot be given—they must be owned, protected, and redefined by us.