the psychology of cancel culture

In the modern digital era, cancel culture has surged in prominence, notably within the domains of social media and online communities. It involves the public condemnation and ostracization of individuals or entities believed to have committed wrongdoings, typically rooted in moral, ethical, or social disagreements. This phenomenon is now a prominent feature of today's societal landscape. Today, we will explore the psychological foundations of cancel culture, investigating its origins, manifestations, and profound impact on both individuals and society as a whole. By grasping the psychological mechanisms that drive cancel culture, we can illuminate its effects on social interactions, mental well-being, and the broader implications for the evolving norms within society.

𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

Cancel culture, represents a societal phenomenon characterized by collective disapproval and condemnation of individuals, celebrities, public figures, or entities due to perceived offensive, objectionable, or harmful actions, statements, or beliefs. The digital age, notably propelled by the widespread use of social media platforms, has significantly amplified the reach and impact of cancel culture. The rapid and extensive dissemination of information through social media has transformed it into a powerful tool for mobilizing public opinion and orchestrating cancel campaigns.

The evolution of cancel culture can be traced back to a desire for accountability and social justice, with individuals leveraging online platforms to voice their concerns and hold others responsible for their actions. However, this call for collective accountability has, in certain instances, transformed into a culture of rapid judgment and unforgiving punishment, often devoid of contextual understanding. 

Cancel culture's popularity can be attributed to several factors. The democratization of information and the ease of expressing opinions on social media platforms provide individuals with a sense of empowerment. They believe their voices can be heard, influencing public discourse and decisions. Moreover, the desire for a fairer and more inclusive society fuels the appeal of cancel culture. People are motivated to challenge behaviors or beliefs that perpetuate discrimination, prejudice, or harm, viewing it as a means to effect change and promote a culture of accountability. However, it is essential to acknowledge that cancel culture's appeal can also stem from a sense of moral superiority and the satisfaction derived from publicly condemning others. The communal nature of social media creates an environment where individuals are inclined to align with prevailing opinions, lest they risk facing social ostracism.

Cancel culture emerges in various ways, both in the online and offline spheres. In online spaces, it often commences with a viral call-out post or tweet, where individuals or groups publicly denounce the target. This post gains momentum as others share, comment, and express their opinions, resulting in a substantial social media backlash against the individual or entity in question. The repercussions may encompass loss of followers, job opportunities, or a tarnished reputation. Offline manifestations comprise boycotts, protests, or campaigns aimed at holding the target accountable in their personal or professional life. Media coverage further amplifies these actions, influencing public perception and encouraging participation in the cancel campaign.

Case Study: The Gina Carano Controversy

In 2021, Gina Carano, a prominent actress celebrated for her role as Cara Dune in the acclaimed Disney+ series "The Mandalorian," found herself at the center of a controversy that vividly illustrates the far-reaching power and reverberating consequences of cancel culture. The controversy was sparked by a series of posts shared by Carano on her social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram. These posts faced widespread criticism for being not only insensitive but also offensive. Of particular concern was a post that drew a controversial parallel between the experience of being a conservative in contemporary America and the historical persecution of Jews during the Holocaust, a comparison that elicited widespread outrage and condemnation.

As these posts gained traction and began to circulate widely, a significant segment of the online community, alongside some fans of "The Mandalorian," called for her removal from the show. The hashtag #FireGinaCarano rapidly gained momentum on various social media platforms, and an online petition urging her dismissal garnered thousands of signatures. Subsequently, Disney, the parent company of Lucasfilm responsible for producing "The Mandalorian," made the decision to sever ties with Gina Carano. In an official statement, they cited her social media posts as a departure from their values and principles of inclusivity. Consequently, Carano's character was written out of the series, and she experienced a substantial loss of public support.

The Gina Carano controversy serves as an example, showcasing the professional and personal consequences that cancel culture can impose on individuals within the public eye. Moreover, it spurred extensive discussions concerning the boundaries of free speech, the role of corporations in navigating such controversies, and the overarching implications of cancel culture within the entertainment industry and society as a whole.

𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

A. Social Identity Theory

The Social Identity Theory provides deep insights into the dynamics of cancel culture. This theory posits that individuals naturally categorize themselves and others into social groups based on shared characteristics, beliefs, or affiliations. These group affiliations significantly influence how people perceive both themselves and others, consequently shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and interactions within the broader societal context.

Cancel culture is interlinked with the Social Identity Theory, representing a magnification of group dynamics within the digital social sphere. In today's digital age, people often gravitate towards online communities that resonate with their beliefs, values, or interests. These virtual communities essentially function as social groups, fostering a sense of belonging and a shared identity among their members. Cancel culture emerges within these online groups when individuals perceive a threat to their shared beliefs or values, prompting a collective mobilization against the perceived transgressor.

In cancel culture, the concept of in-groups and out-groups plays a pivotal role as well. The in-group refers to the social group to which an individual belongs, sharing a common identity and set of viewpoints. Conversely, the out-group comprises individuals or entities viewed as opposing or threatening the beliefs of the in-group. Cancel culture frequently thrives on the cultivation of a robust in-group identity, often fueled by a perceived threat from an out-group. This perceived threat galvanizes the in-group to unite and take action against the perceived transgressor, resulting in public condemnation and often leading to consequential outcomes.

Case Study: The James Gunn Twitter Controversy

In 2018, filmmaker James Gunn, renowned for directing the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, became embroiled in a cancel culture episode. Resurfaced tweets from Gunn, containing offensive and inappropriate humor, garnered attention and circulation on social media, triggering an outpouring of outrage across various online communities. Within these online communities, the in-groups, consisting of individuals who opposed Gunn's viewpoints and humor, perceived these resurfaced tweets as a violation of their shared values and beliefs. The out-group, representing Gunn and his supporters, was seen as an opposing force threatening the moral standards upheld by the in-group. This perceived threat fueled the cancel culture campaign against Gunn. Members of these online communities, aligning with the in-group, condemned Gunn, demanding his removal from high-profile projects. Consequently, Gunn faced significant professional repercussions, temporarily losing his directorial role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This case illustrates how social identity dynamics, characterized by distinct in-group and out-group perceptions, significantly fueled and sustained a cancel culture episode.

B. Groupthink

Groupthink occurs when a group's desire for harmony and conformity leads to flawed decision-making. In this scenario, the group prioritizes consensus and unity over critical thinking and individual creativity. In the context of cancel culture, groupthink is highly pertinent. It sheds light on how individuals within virtual communities or social groups often conform to prevailing beliefs, stifling dissenting opinions. This conformity fosters an environment where the cancellation of individuals or entities is seen as the unanimous and unquestionable course of action.

Groupthink exerts a significant influence on public opinion and participation in cancel culture. When individuals within an online community or social group engage in groupthink, they tend to suppress doubts or reservations about the target of cancellation. Instead, they conform to the prevailing viewpoint of the group, reinforcing their conviction in the righteousness of the cancelation. This conformity amplifies the cancel culture phenomenon, drawing more individuals into the collective effort and increasing the reach and impact of the cancellation. Furthermore, groupthink cultivates a sense of invincibility within the group. Members perceive their collective actions as morally superior, justifying extreme measures such as public shaming and boycotts. The group's cohesion bolsters the illusion of unanimous agreement, discouraging individuals from expressing alternative perspectives. This, in turn, solidifies the cancel culture narrative within the group.

Case Study: The #Shirtstorm Controversy

In November 2014, the scientific and digital communities bore witness to the "Shirtstorm" or "Shirtgate" incident. At the core of this was Dr. Matt Taylor, a luminary in the field of science involved in the Rosetta mission—a pioneering comet landing orchestrated by the European Space Agency (ESA). During a live-streamed event chronicling the landing of the Philae lander on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, Dr. Taylor conspicuously sported a shirt adorned with provocative images and slogans, widely perceived as derogatory and objectifying to women. The visual depiction of the shirt quickly disseminated across various social media platforms, instigating a heated debate.

The online community, particularly those advocating for gender equity and inclusivity within the scientific realm, censured Dr. Taylor for his choice of attire. They argued that it propagated a culture of sexism and alienated women from the scientific fold. The outrage was exacerbated by the gravity of the event—an epochal milestone in space exploration—and the attention subsequently shifted from scientific feat to the inappropriate imagery on the shirt. In this instance, the online community, epitomizing the in-group dynamic, rapidly mobilized to express their disapproval. The prevailing sentiment within this community was rooted in the belief that Dr. Taylor's choice of attire was not only offensive, but also posed a derogatory shadow over the entire scientific community. The collective outrage coalesced into a call for retribution, spanning from public apologies to demands for severe professional repercussions to Dr. Taylor. The conflagration on social media platforms escalated, with hashtags such as #Shirtstorm and #Shirtgate trending globally. The outrage was not limited to the digital sphere, permeating mainstream media outlets which further amplified the cancel culture campaign. This resulted in a significant impact on Dr. Taylor's reputation and career, with him tearfully apologizing during a press conference, expressing regret for his insensitivity. 

The #Shirtstorm controversy highlights how cancel culture can rapidly escalate through social media, fueled by a sense of moral outrage within a specific community. In this case, the incident significantly impacted Dr. Taylor's personal and professional life, illustrating the tangible consequences that can arise from the judgments and actions perpetuated by cancel culture.

C. Deindividuation

Deindividuation unfolds when individuals find themselves in a collective setting, experiencing a diminished sense of personal identity and responsibility. In the context of cancel culture, deindividuation occurs when individuals assimilate into larger online or offline groups, often within social media. Here, they increasingly identify with the collective group identity, overshadowing their individual attributes. Consequently, individuals may lose self-awareness and a sense of personal responsibility due to the detachment from their unique identity. This lack of self-awareness could prompt behaviors that deviate from their usual conduct, resulting in impulsive and harsh actions towards the targeted individual.

The digital landscape significantly intensifies deindividuation in cancel culture. Individuals, shielded behind screens, might perceive a disconnect from real-life repercussions, emboldening them to engage in aggressive actions. The sensation of being one among many in a vast online community can erode personal responsibility, leading to a surge in cancel culture. Anonymity and reduced personal responsibility act as substantial catalysts, amplifying deindividuation in the context of cancel culture. Online platforms offer the cloak of anonymity, enabling individuals to detach from their genuine identities and, consequently, evade potential consequences of their actions. This anonymity nurtures a sense of detachment from personal responsibility, facilitating the ease with which people engage in extreme behaviors, such as public shaming, without fear of facing personal consequences.

Furthermore, the diffusion of responsibility within a group further diminishes individual's sense of personal accountability. Individuals perceive their actions as integral to a collective endeavor and, thus, may not critically reflect on the ethical implications of their behavior as they would in their individual capacity. This diffusion often emboldens individuals to act more aggressively than they might otherwise, attributing their actions to the collective rather than to their own volition.

Case Study: The Twitter Storm

In 2018, the gaming community bore witness to an event known as the "Zoë Quinn Harassment Campaign." Zoë Quinn, an independent game developer and critic, found herself at the epicenter of a relentless online harassment campaign, providing a chilling real-life example that vividly emphasizes the dynamics of deindividuation within cancel culture. The controversy began when Quinn's ex-boyfriend penned an extensive blog post, leveling accusations of unethical conduct within the gaming industry against her. Quickly becoming viral,, the post triggered an onslaught of online scrutiny and harassment targeted at Quinn from various individuals and online communities.

Netizens, especially those aligning with the ex-boyfriend's narrative, capitalized on the shroud of anonymity and the diminishing sense of personal responsibility inherent in the digital landscape. This virtual collective, shielded by the anonymity offered by social media platforms and the boundless expanse of the internet, unleashed a barrage of aggressive behavior. Insults, threats, and damaging accusations were hurled at Quinn, actions conspicuously divorced from the potential real-life ramifications of their actions. The effect of deindividuation was unmistakable, with individuals shedding their sense of personal responsibility and embracing behaviors they likely would restrain in face-to-face interactions. The collective indignation fueled an upsurge in aggression, ranging from doxxing—exposing private information—to hate campaigns and endeavors to sabotage both Quinn's professional standing and personal life.

This stands as a stark illumination of how deindividuation, emboldened by the mask of anonymity and the waning burden of personal responsibility in the realms of online interaction, can cause harmful actions.

𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬

Being canceled exacts an emotional toll on individuals subjected to this digital condemnation. It involves an intense public backlash characterized by online shaming, public condemnation, and a collective withdrawal of support. As a result, the individual faces an onslaught of negative emotions, often like a whirlwind of distress and trauma. The experience can be emotionally debilitating, triggering feelings of humiliation, guilt, shame, anger, sadness, and even grief. The sense of betrayal, especially if the cancellation involves people the individual once considered friends, can be particularly devastating. 

Being canceled often involves a sense of powerlessness and loss of control over one's own narrative and reputation. Being relentlessly scrutinized, criticized, and ostracized in the public domain can lead to a deep-seated emotional scar, impacting self-esteem and overall mental well-being. The permanence and digital footprint of cancel culture further exacerbate the emotional trauma, as the repercussions of the cancellation can endure indefinitely, causing persistent emotional distress. The emotional turmoil resulting from cancel culture frequently spirals into severe psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

• Anxiety: The fear of public scrutiny and the pervasive sense of being judged can lead to anticipatory anxiety. Additionally, the uncertainty about the duration and intensity of the cancellation amplifies the anxious state, potentially triggering panic attacks and phobias.
• Depression: The sense of being labeled and vilified by a significant portion of society can fuel a pervasive feeling of worthlessness, contributing to the development of a depressive state.
• Social Isolation: The fear of being targeted again hampers their ability to rebuild trust and connections, deepening the sense of isolation.

These psychological consequences can intertwine, creating a vicious cycle that further deteriorates an individual's mental well-being. It is imperative to recognize the severe mental health implications of cancel culture and work towards fostering a more empathetic and understanding digital culture that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of all individuals involved.

Public shaming, a central element of cancel culture, triggers a range of cognitive effects on the individuals who endure it. When subjected to public shaming, individuals face an onslaught of negative attention directed at their actions, beliefs, or expressions. This deluge of negativity can deeply affect various cognitive processes.

• Attention and Focus: Public shaming forcibly captures an individual's attention, often making it challenging for them to concentrate on anything else. The attention drawn due to the shame can become obsessive, making it difficult to focus on both personal and professional tasks.
• Cognitive Overload: The constant exposure to criticism, ridicule, and condemnation overwhelms cognitive capacities. The mind grapples with an excess of negative information, potentially impairing decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Memory and Rumination: Public shaming can trigger intrusive and persistent rumination about the events leading to the shaming. The individual may obsessively replay the shaming incident, affecting memory processes and fostering a negative self-image.

Public shaming through cancel culture also significantly influences an individual's cognitive perception of self.

• Self-esteem: Public shaming erodes self-esteem. The continuous exposure to criticism and ridicule can lead to a persistent negative self-evaluation, damaging the individual's confidence and belief in their capabilities.
• Self-worth: The experience of public shaming directly impacts an individual's sense of self-worth, affecting how they perceive their value and significance in society. Prolonged public shaming can result in a diminished sense of self-worth, potentially leading to self-isolation and withdrawal from social engagements.
• Self-identity: Public shaming can disrupt an individual's self-identity, which encompasses their understanding of who they are. The constant barrage of negative feedback may compel a reevaluation of their values, beliefs, and self-concept. This reassessment can either lead to a desire to conform to public expectations or a heightened defense of their original identity.

Cancel culture also holds significant influence over how society processes and learns from mistakes. Fundamental to human development and societal advancement is the capacity to learn from errors. This entails acknowledging mistakes, comprehending their implications, and evolving to prevent their recurrence. However, cancel culture tends to obstruct this pivotal learning process by frequently subjecting individuals  to punishment, stifling constructive dialogue and hindering growth.In a cancel culture environment, the fear of public shaming and severe repercussions can deter individuals from admitting mistakes or engaging in open discussions about them. This fear hampers transparency and obstructs the healthy exchange of ideas, which is essential for both personal and societal development. Consequently, individuals and institutions may adopt a defensive stance, resisting the acknowledgment of errors and impeding the learning process. Furthermore, cancel culture's tendency to oversimplify issues often results in a binary outlook of right versus wrong, good versus bad. This oversimplification overlooks the complexity and nuances of human behavior and societal challenges, impeding a nuanced understanding necessary to address root causes and devise comprehensive solutions.

Cancel culture, with its punitive inclinations, harbors the potential to impede genuine social change and progress. Genuine progress requires constructive dialogue, education, and the cultivation of empathy to confront deeply entrenched prejudices, biases, and inequalities. However, the punitive approach of cancel culture can foster a 'cancel and move on' mentality, neglecting the vital components of rehabilitation and education crucial for sustainable social transformation. Moreover, the fear of cancellation might dissuade individuals from participating in activism or expressing opinions that challenge the established norm. This chilling effect can stifle crucial conversations and thwart catalysts for change. A society where individuals fear speaking out due to the dread of public condemnation stagnates and fails to evolve.

𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

In the age of cancel culture, nurturing critical thinking and empathy is essential to counter its potential impact. Encouraging individuals to engage in thoughtful analysis before endorsing or participating in cancelation campaigns can help mitigate the adverse consequences associated with it.

Critical thinking entails a purposeful examination of information, concepts, and viewpoints to form well-informed judgments. Encouraging critical thinking within the context of cancel culture involves prompting individuals to question the motivations driving cancelation efforts, assess the evidence and context, and contemplate potential ramifications before engaging in a social media-driven backlash.

Fostering Media Literacy and Education: Integrating critical thinking skills into educational curricula, including comprehensive media literacy programs, can empower individuals to distinguish credible sources, identify bias, and recognize logical fallacies. This educational initiative equips individuals with the necessary tools to navigate the intricate digital landscape.

Advocating for Informed Opinions: Seek diverse perspectives, engage with differing viewpoints, and base their judgments on well-rounded information rather than rushing to conclusions. Promote responsible and ethical practices for sharing information

Fostering Empathy: In cancel culture, fostering empathy can humanize individuals who become targets, encouraging more compassionate and understanding responses.

Balancing accountability and consequences with fairness and rehabilitation is essential in overcoming cancel culture. Advocating for a balanced approach ensures that individuals and entities are held accountable for their actions while also allowing room for growth and learning from mistakes.

Overall, navigating cancel culture requires a multifaceted approach that values critical thinking, empathy, open dialogue, and a balanced perspective in addressing controversial issues. By actively promoting these principles, individuals and society can strive towards fostering an understanding and constructive digital culture that encourages growth, learning, and meaningful transformation.

Throughout this exploration, we delved into the psychological dimensions embedded within cancel culture, an evolving phenomenon in our modern digital landscape. We dissected the mechanisms of groupthink, deindividuation, emotional distress, and cognitive impacts. Together, these psychological elements shape and drive the dynamics of cancel culture, urging us to comprehend its effects on both individuals and society at large.

For readers keen on delving deeper into the psychology of cancel culture and its related societal dynamics, here is a curated list of recommended readings and resources:

Book: "So You've Been Publicly Shamed" by Jon Ronson explores the psychological and societal ramifications of public shaming in the digital age, shedding light on cancel culture and its impact on individuals.

Book: "The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt provides insights into the challenges posed by cancel culture, trigger warnings, and the impact of overly protective parenting on the younger generation.

"Canceling Comedians While the World Burns: A Critique of the Contemporary Left" by Ben Burgis examines the impact of cancel culture on comedians and the implications it holds for free speech and societal discourse.

Article: "The Psychology of Online Shaming and Cancel Culture" by Karen North delves into the psychological aspects of online shaming, providing an academic perspective on cancel culture and its effects on individuals.

"Public Shaming and Cancel Culture: The Psychological Consequences of Being 'Canceled'" by Michael S. Exline and Audrey L. Anton explores the psychological consequences faced by individuals who become targets of cancel culture, shedding light on the emotional toll it can take.

Podcast: "The Psychology of Cancel Culture" on The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the psychological mechanisms behind cancel culture and provides expert insights into how it affects individuals and society.

Podcast: "Cancel Me, Baby!" on The Ezra Klein Show engages in a thoughtful conversation with Jon Ronson about public shaming, cancel culture, and how these phenomena shape our society.