DAMAGES REPUTATIONS

The Dark Side of Cancel Culture HOW PUBLIC SHAMING SILENCES GROWTH AND

- By Thasmina Sookoor

In the age of social media, outrage has become a sport. A single tweet, a resurfaced video, or an ill-phrased comment can ignite a firestorm, setting in motion what has come to be known as cancel culture, a form of public shaming that often results in professional ruin, social ostracism, and/ emotional devastation. While its defenders argue that "cancelling" holds people accountable, its detractors insist it promotes mob justice, silences dialogue and leaves no room for redemption. In both the personal and corporate spheres, cancel culture has proven to be a double-edged sword; one that cuts deep and often unfairly.

THE RISE OF CANCEL CULTURE

The term "cancel culture" emerged from Black Twitter around 2015 as a humorous shorthand for cutting ties with problematic celebrities. However, what began as satire quickly evolved into a weaponized form of social punishment. Empowered by the immediacy of social media, people discovered that collective outrage could bring down even the most powerful figures. The intention, in many cases, was noble, to demand accountability from those who abused power or perpetuated harm. But in its modern incarnation, cancel culture has transformed into a culture of condemnation rather than correction. Today, a single viral post can end a career overnight. The digital public sphere, where nuance often dies and mob mentality thrives, offers no trial, no context, and no chance for redemption. The result is a chilling atmosphere of fear, where both individuals and brands tiptoe through a minefield of potential misinterpretations.

THE HUMAN COST: WHEN INDIVIDUALS ARE CANCELLED