Four Years After: Surveying Post-Coup Perceptions and Experiences in Myanmar

Four years after Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, fear, hardship, and political repression continue to shape daily life. This study draws on responses from over 3,000 participants and a youth focus group to capture how people across the country are coping with instability, shrinking freedoms, and the constant threat of surveillance and violence.

Most respondents report feeling unsafe and deeply pessimistic about the future. Anger toward the military regime runs high, but survival—not resistance—has become the priority for many. Internet access has become more restricted and uneven. Rural users face power outages, poor infrastructure, and dangerous conditions. Urban users are more likely to be online but face greater risks of arrest, monitoring, and harassment. Many now use VPNs, avoid political content, and self-censor—even in private communication.

The study calls for stronger support for digital security, mental health, and safe civic space, especially for youth. It urges the international community to listen to voices inside the country and to back tools that protect their rights. Even under pressure, many remain determined to adapt, endure, and speak out.

This study is part of the Myanmar Digital Research series published by Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) with support from International Development Research Centre and The SecDev Foundation.