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Cancel culture has arguably become one of the most divisive topics on social media. While the term gained significance in 2020 with the increased use of TikTok, cancel culture has been around since the early 21st century. But what does it actually mean to “cancel” someone, and does it really work?

What is Cancel Culture?

Cancel culture refers to the public withdrawing from and boycotting a person or institution after doing something perceived as wrong. Many celebrities and brands have been on the front lines of cancel culture, including the infamous Pepsi advert with Kendall Jenner. The internet called for a boycott of the company after their badly timed and distasteful advert. Pepsi then faced a huge amount of public backlash, resulting in the advert being pulled. This shows the impact of the media and its ability to make changes.

The Positives of Cancel Culture

While it can seem harsh to completely cancel someone off the internet, the concept has some positives.

The process of cancelling someone means that the institution or person is held accountable for doing something that is perceived as wrong. This then becomes a learning experience for that person, but it also causes a ripple effect where many people who may have held that same controversial view have the opportunity to learn, adapt and witness the repercussions of their harmful opinions.

Over the years, many people have been held accountable for sexism, racism, homophobia, and many more discriminatory views, resulting in punishments for their hateful speech. This allowed victims of the hate being heard and feeling validated for their concerns.

But what are the repercussions of cancelling someone?

The Negatives of Cancel Culture

The internet and social media allow people to remain anonymous, which has amplified a harmful mob mentality. Mass bullying and doxing someone who is being cancelled can cause serious concern over their mental and physical well-being, as addresses, phone numbers, and family information are made public. This results in them becoming a major target.  

The act of cancelling someone is dangerous to their mental health as they may face isolation from people around them. Alexander Rodgers, an Oxford University student, found himself completely segregated from his peers following an incident of a sexual nature, resulting in his suicide. The result of Alexander’s case shows us the very serious effects of cancel culture and how there are consequences from both sides.

The Future of Cancel Culture

Cancel culture has been facing mass scrutiny due to its harmful consequences, as it does not allow someone to grow as an individual. There has also been a rise of people actively seeking out the past of individuals looking for something wrong or controversial to be able to cancel them.

Some people have taken the newer and lighter approach of call-out culture instead of cancel culture, as it allows the individual or institution room to grow and learn from others instead of shunning them. Many favour this option as it minimises dangerous outcomes while still providing justice for the victims of hateful rhetoric.