“To be fair, when you can’t get a woman sacked, arrested or dropped by her publisher, and canceling her only made her book sales go up, there’s really only one place to go.” by JK Rowling on her Twitter post.
Why People Dig Cancel Culture
The Drag em’ culture on social media is common in the Philippines, mostly among the younger generation. Filipinos find cancel culture a fair consequence that can bring the desired results. According to Milieu Insight, they focus on canceling influential people, such as Tony Gonzaga and Macoy Dubs, for cultural appropriation (50%) and their political stances (48%).
How is Cancel Culture Toxic?
Gen Z and the internet are attached to the hip. The internet is their childhood friend and enemy. For them, the worst punishment is being canceled since it affects their reputation online and offline. Cancel culture triggers hate, making it difficult to share your thoughts online without someone else dragging you down. But how can canceling be toxic? Here are five reasons that make cancel culture toxic to your mental health.
1. It’s More About Clout
Social media has a nonexistent off-button for entertainment. We see influencers get famous and earn a ton of money with daily content. The chance to be in the spotlight is tempting because they seem to have good lives, and we want them to. So we join in canceling to feel part of something bigger.
2. It Backfires
Drama, hate, and publicity are companions to any canceled culture story. Instead of ending a person’s presence online, they become “more” relevant. Even if the engagement and reputation become bad, it doesn’t bother them because they want to be remembered.
3. It Encourages Shame
Cancel culture and cyberbullying don’t sound different. Cancel culture sounds more fancy, but they’re identical. We have the freedom to post, comment, and share what we want, even if it is public shaming. Shaming gives us the freedom to make sure everyone follows the norms. So it’s not wrong, right?
4. It’s a Danger Magnet
Sharing ideas and facts is like landmines waiting to explode. Exchanging opinions is risky. You could lose your livelihood, safety, and privacy from threats written online.
5. It’s Part of Life
Real “you” and social media “you” are tied to the knot. Anonymous and unknown isn’t a thing anymore. The account is a clone of yourself because you use it for work, school, and at home. You can’t be anyone else.
Holding Them Accountable
Cancel culture is a cycle of hateful and violent behavior. Although it’s tempting to hurt someone else for the hurtful comments, it will encourage more of them. The best option to hold people who practice cancel culture is to remain civil and to communicate politely. Turn it to the culture of accountability.