Digital natives, digital activists in non-digital environments: How the youth in Zambia use mundane technology to circumvent government surveillance and censorship

Abstract

This study investigates the technological strategies the youth in Sub-Saharan Africa employ to circumvent government surveillance and censorship. Centered on the 2020 Zambian youth protests and informed by interviews with 37 participants, we explore the youth's innovative use of mundane skills to build digital communities, evade government surveillance, and leverage algorithms. The findings indicate that despite limited online access and government restrictions, the Zambian youth creatively employed their local skills to build social networks, disseminate information, and mobilize for social change. However, two contrasting narratives emerge: one celebrating the innovation and resilience of these young people, with the other raising concerns about the broader implications of their actions. Notably, some youth transitioned from influential activists to government insiders, a shift that may have diluted their capacity to champion social justice. The study emphasizes the need to scrutinize the balance between technological cooperation and potential discord, urging a more profound exploration of technology's role in shaping the trajectory of democracy, especially in settings akin to sub-Saharan Africa. We argue for further research into the role of digital influencers in electoral processes and democratic systems.