Youth Social Media Engagement During the 2024 Nepal Floods: Patterns, Impacts, and Crisis Communication

The 2024 Nepal floods provided a context to examine the effectiveness and challenges of social media–based disaster response among young adults. Utilizing survey responses from 50 Nepali youth residing primarily in Kathmandu and surrounding areas, this study explores (a) frequency of use, (b) value added across platforms, (c) contributions including information sharing and collective action, and (d) barriers to participation. Findings indicate high engagement with social media, with older participants showing higher usage levels (p = .006). Platform use was function-specific: Instagram and Facebook facilitated broad information sharing, while WhatsApp supported tactical grassroots organizing such as donation coordination. Despite widespread participation (64% shared verified information), efforts were undermined by rumours and a lack of two-way engagement with formal disaster agencies. These results have theoretical implications for understanding heterogeneity among digital natives in crisis contexts and practical implications for developing integrated communication protocols and digital literacy programs to strengthen community resilience.