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Gen Z, the so-called 'digital natives’, live with phones in their hands and Wi-Fi at their finger tips. Phones are sold as empowerment devices—on tap information, entertainment, and worldwide connectivity. Yet, there is a tougher reality beneath the shiny screen.

A Dec 2024 dcdx report indicates GenZ spends an average of 7 hours, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds per day on phones, typically at the expense of in-person interactions. As proponents argue phones make life more convenient and connected, mounting evidence demonstrates they're quietly eroding GenZ’s focus, relationships, and wellbeing.

Thesis: As mobile phones keep us more connected than ever before, they may also erode GenZ’s focus, relationships, and wellbeing, thereby creating a generation trapped in a cycle of distraction, loneliness, and worry fueled by ubiquitous digital overstimulation.

Phones destroy attention and productivity

Supporters argue smartphones increase efficiency by placing information at GenZ’s fingertips. But the truth is quite the opposite. The dcdx study (2024) reported that GenZ spends more than 7 hours a day on phones, with TikTok (3 hours, 38 minutes per week) and Instagram (3 hours, 56 minutes) taking the lead. Such sites are designed to capture attention with infinite scrolls and dopamine bursts.

A 2023 University of Michigan study attested excessive mobile use is associated with weaker working memory and sustained attention, especially among teens (Wilmer et al., 2023). Instead of enhancing productivity, phones fragment attention, with GenZ opening a device an average of 154 times per day (dcdx, 2024), rendering deep work all but impossible.

Phones disrupt real social skills

They call fans ‘connected’ thanks to phones, but the connections are shallowly measured in likes, emojis, or short texts. The 2024 Pew Research Center survey indicates that 46 percent of teens are online ‘almost constantly’, with 58 percent on TikTok at social gatherings often ‘phubbing’ (ignoring people for phones). While 80 percent indicate that phones help friendships, 42 percent recognize that they disrupt learning social skills like empathy and listening (Pew, 2024). On the other hand, older adults (30+) report less phubbing, and 52 percent of 50+ report that phones ruin group discussions (Pew, 2023). Overusing digital communication renders GenZ less competent in face-to-face communication, a deficiency employers find in younger workers more and more.

Phones ruin mental health

Admirers cite phones’ mental health resources—meditation apps, therapy websites, or peer support. The same phones, though, fuel the crises they purportedly cure. The CDC (2023) approximated that 57 percent of teenage girls and 29 percent of teenage boys experience persistent sadness or hopelessness, and social media is a significant factor. The dcdx report (2024) associates excessive screen time with loneliness since 73 percent of GenZ feel isolated despite having constant ‘connectivity’. An additional 2024 Harvard Medical School review contributes that night-time screen usage disrupts circadian rhythms and increases risks of depression and anxiety (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Phones, which are presented as solutions, are increasingly the cause of problems.

Phones disrupt learning and work

Technology enthusiasts claim that phones prepare GenZ for technology careers. Unrestricted use, however, cancels learning and productivity. In a 2023 meta-analysis by the University of Cambridge, phone bans at school raised test scores by 6–8 percent, especially among lower-performing students (Higgins et al., 2023). Socially, GenZ’s 154 average daily phone pickups (dcdx, 2024) break concentration, with 56 percent of youth admitting phones make them ‘less present’ in the moment (Harmony Healthcare IT, 2025). Despite digital literacy being worth it, constant distraction gnaws away at the discipline needed for professional and academic achievement.

The paradox: Lifeline or trap?

Phones are not inherently evil. They enable GenZ to undertake online learning, launch entrepreneurial ventures, and amplify social causes. To others, they're a lifeline—connecting marginalized voices or providing mental health support. But the warped relationship with devices turns empowerment into entrapment. The Atlantic’s 2024 analysis reveals GenZ spends only 67 minutes per day with friends in person, down from 2 hours prior to the smartphone (Twenge & Haidt, 2024).

Who’s in charge of whom?

The debate is not about phones’ utility—they are sure to be potent. It is about control: GenZ controlling phones or phones controlling GenZ? Unchecked, tools meant to unify and empower will continue to chip away at concentration, resolve, and bonds. GenZ’s revolution won’t be spearheaded by the next app—it’ll be spearheaded by reclaiming their attention through actual action: setting limits on screen time (used by 22 percent of GenZ, as measured by dcdx), having phone-free zones in school or at home (endorsed by 81 percent of teens, as reported by Pew), and prioritizing in-person interaction.

If Gen-Z is to thrive, they will need to learn to log off—not for a finite period, but forever, in a future in which they, rather than their devices, are the masters.

Political instability, once perceived as distant geopolitical threats, has become a disruptive force shaping everyday realities, rising prices, fluctuating job prospects, and uncertain entrepreneurial environments. In 2025, with an increasingly fragmented global order, the nexus between geopolitics and economics is undeniable. Decisions made in Washington, Brussels, or Beijing may seem remote, but their repercussions ripple into nations like Nepal, influencing consumer prices, employment patterns, and business viability.

For decades, globalization facilitated the liberal movement of goods, capital, and services. However, recent disruptions such as trade wars, sanctions, and cross-border investment restrictions have undermined that stability. For instance, the 2025 tariff escalation between the United States and China destabilized international supply chains, forcing companies to either absorb higher logistics costs or pass them onto consumers. These global shifts are reflected locally higher import prices and delayed access to essential technologies impact Nepalese households and businesses alike.

The broader macroeconomic impact is staggering. Political and Economic volatility has already eroded over $320bn in global corporate profits. The World Bank (2024) projects that continued geopolitical instability could reduce global GDP by two percent over five years equating to over $2trn. Corporations, facing earnings declines, are responding by freezing hiring, withdrawing from emerging markets, and redesigning business models to hedge against policy unpredictability.

This creates a hostile environment for job seekers and entrepreneurs in countries like Nepal. Risk-averse global investors hesitate to fund startups in politically fragile environments. According to McKinsey & Company (2025), 80 percent of global supply chain leaders have begun regionalizing operations to mitigate geopolitical risk, a trend that could bypass Nepal unless it strengthens domestic infrastructure and governance.

Furthermore, evolving legal and regulatory frameworks present additional challenges. Countries are instituting laws that restrict foreign ownership or control of strategic technologies, complicating cross-border business operations. As one global legal expert remarked, “Geopolitics is the new GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation.),” referencing the complexity of navigating geopolitical compliance as per the news media. For Nepalese youth seeking global opportunities, this means more bureaucratic red tape and fewer international openings.

Nepal, though geographically distant from global epicenters, remains vulnerable to these external shocks. Domestically, persistent political instability exacerbates the situation. Since its democratic transition in 2008, Nepal has witnessed 14 different governments, averaging one administration every 14 months. This political churn stymies policy continuity and deters investor confidence (CESIF, 2025). At the 2025 Kantipur Economic Summit, local business leaders cited high taxes, bureaucratic inertia, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement as key barriers to growth. Foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges for 2024 stood at Rs 56bn, yet only 35 percent of that materialized into actual capital inflows.

Migration trends further underscore Nepal’s economic fragility. The outflow of youth has intensified, with over 700,000 Nepalis departing for employment abroad in FY 2023/24 alone (Department of Foreign Employment, 2024). While remittances stabilize household consumption, they signify a loss of human capital crucial for national development. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high at 19.2 percent (International Labour Organization, 2023), fueling this exodus.

Infrastructure bottlenecks further hinder growth. Flagship projects like the Nijgadh International Airport remain stalled due to environmental and bureaucratic disputes. Nepal’s poor ranking 111th out of 132 countries in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (WIPO, 2024) illustrates the policy and infrastructural deficits throttling innovation. Despite its growing tech-savvy population, Nepal lacks the ecosystem to support digital entrepreneurship or attract global investors.

Corruption, opaque regulations, and arbitrary enforcement discourage local enterprise. As per the Transparency International 2024 Nepal ranks in 107th position out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index. Startups often encounter unpredictable tax regimes and cumbersome approval processes. As one young entrepreneur in Lalitpur recounted, “Investors liked my idea but warned me that Nepal’s political climate is too risky. One even suggested relocating to Bangalore.”

The consequences are visible in everyday life: fewer businesses mean fewer jobs; declining investment translates to limited services and slower income growth.

Yet, amid these challenges, Nepal holds transformative potential. With one of the youngest demographics in South Asia, abundant hydropower reserves, and proximity to India and China, Nepal could become a regional hub for clean energy, digital trade, and ecotourism. The missing link is political coherence and policy continuity.

For MBA students and young professionals, understanding this interplay is critical. Advocacy, informed participation, and institutional engagement are essential. By supporting transparency, economic reform, and democratic accountability, Nepal’s youth can shape a more resilient future. Businesses too must adapt developing agile strategies, risk mitigation mechanisms, and local market depth to survive in this volatile environment.

Global instability is not an abstract concept. It affects your startup potential, your career trajectory, and your nation's competitiveness. The question is not whether Nepal will be impacted but how it will respond.

Anupama Paudel 

Anisha Shakya

MBA (Global Business)

SAIM College

People expect us Secondary Education Examination (SEE) aspirants to be studious enough to secure A-plus grades. But it doesn’t stop there—we are also expected to be social, supportive of our families and friends, and at the same time take care of our own wellbeing. As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” We, too, need a healthy dose of entertainment and relaxation. But how do we juggle all this and strike the right balance? That’s where the critical question of time management comes in—not just for SEE students, but for every student.

Time is a precious commodity that can be used to our advantage—or wasted to our loss. The SEE, often described as one of the stepping stones toward higher education, plays a seminal role in shaping our future. This leaves us with no alternative but to adopt an effective time management strategy.

These days, making a timetable has almost become fashionable among us. But have we ever stopped to ask ourselves: how much of that timetable do we actually follow? This is where we need a pause for some soul-searching, friends. The mantra of effective time management lies in prioritizing tasks and sticking with them until they are completed. Small daily goals can pave the way. Consistency and focus are the keys, with self-discipline at the heart of it all. Motivation may fade, but discipline can become a way of life—and that ultimately leads to accomplishment.

Distractions are everywhere. Losing motivation or getting sidetracked is normal, but what truly matters is our ability to remember the bigger picture and get back on track quickly. Speaking of the urgency to begin, someone rightly said: “It’s either one day, or day one.” With all my heart, I hope this reflection will help me achieve my goals through effective time management—and perhaps inspire others to do the same.

Prashna Shrestha

Grade: X 

Sanskar Pathshala, Dang

Months passed, and we still didn’t get a chance to investigate the haunted house. We really wanted to go and see if it was real or not. Tom and I kept waiting for the day when we could finally investigate it. One afternoon, when I came back from school, I overheard my mom talking to Tom’s mom on the phone. They were saying they had to go to another city for work, and it would take a few days. They also decided that Tom and I could have a sleepover at my house so we wouldn’t be scared staying alone, since our dads were also leaving.

Excited, I rushed to my room and called Tom to tell him everything I had heard. After that, I did my homework and played some video games. Suddenly, “RRRRIIIICCCHHAAAARRRDDDD!” my mom shouted from downstairs. I thought she was angry at me for playing, so I hurried down—but it turned out she was just calling me for dinner.

After dinner, my dad came home, and once he finished eating, my mom told me again that they would be going to another city for two days and that Tom would come for a sleepover. I already knew this, but I didn’t say anything. Inside, I was thrilled. This was our chance to finally investigate the haunted house.

Asking for some clue  

The next morning, I met Tom on the way to school, and we excitedly talked about the haunted house. I reminded him that this was our big chance. At school, we asked other students if they knew the way. My friend Wolfy said there was a mansion nearby, and from there, we had to take the right path to reach the haunted house. Many other students gave the same answer. Since the majority agreed, we decided to follow Wolfy’s directions.

When I got home, I asked my mom when exactly they were leaving. She said tomorrow morning at 5 am—and that Tom would be arriving then too. I was so happy because it was the weekend, and with them leaving early, we’d have plenty of time for our investigation.

Time for the journey 

At 5 am sharp, my parents left. Right after that, Tom arrived at my house. We packed some food—just in case the journey took longer than expected—and set off together. After walking for an hour, we were exhausted, so we rested for a while before continuing. Soon, we spotted a small, unpainted house in the distance. A faint light glowed from one of its windows. Nervously, we headed toward it. My heart was racing faster than ever.

Suddenly, I realized Tom wasn’t beside me. I looked around—he was nowhere to be seen. Then I heard a loud snore. Panicked, I ran back to our resting spot, and there he was—snoring like a giant! Relieved but a little annoyed, I woke him up, and we continued, this time with me keeping a close eye on him. When we reached the house with the faint light, my heartbeat quickened again. Holding hands tightly, we stepped inside.

Investigation of the house  

Inside, the house was empty. It had four rooms, all dark. We checked one room—nothing. In another, we found a big, fat black cat. I suddenly remembered reading somewhere that witches often keep black cats as pets. I told Tom, and we both screamed.

Then we noticed a candle flickering by the window. That made us scream even louder. Just as we were about to run outside, a voice called, “Boys, why are you here in the woods? Are you lost?” We froze, then turned to see an old woman holding the black cat. Surprisingly, our fear vanished. We asked why she was living in such a small house with no electricity. She explained that she had no family and no home, so she found this abandoned place and had been living there for ten years.

It turned out the house wasn’t haunted at all. We invited her to come with us, and she agreed, carrying her cat. When she asked where we were taking her, we explained we wanted to bring her to an old age home where she would be safe and cared for. She was very happy.

Proving everyone wrong 

We took the old woman to the old age home and explained everything to the caretaker, who thanked us for helping her. As a reward, we received a bravery badge. Later, we went to the children’s park to show our friends the badge. When they asked how we got it, we told them the whole story. Everyone appreciated our bravery.

After that, Tom and I went back to my house and had fun. Two days later, our parents returned. We proudly showed them the badge and told them everything. At first, they scolded us for taking such risks while they were away, but in the end, they also appreciated our courage.

This is the second in a two-part series

Shreyashi Sigdel

Grade VII

Euro School, Chhauni