Cancel culture and mob mentality: Are they related?

The topic of cancel culture refers to the reduced or withdrawn support for companies or public figures after they have said or done something controversial, questionable or offensive. Online shaming is directly related to cancel culture and takes place on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Mob mentality can be referred to as the idea of conforming to trends based off of their circle of influence. This can be used to adpot new behaviors or even purchase new products. Overall, mob mentality shows just how one’s point of view can be altered by those around them.

Personally, I believe cancel culture has been around far longer than many social media platforms. In many instances cancel culture can be used to label any beliefs or behavior outside of cultural or societal norms. Honestly, cancel culture is used to just reinforce a specific set of norms that was previously put in place. Think about it, do you agree?

In a way, I think cancel culture and mob mentality are directly related. More often than not social media influencers will post about a new product and millions of fans will rave about it and go out and buy it regardless of how ‘good’ the product actually is. This also happens when influencers or celebrities post about political views and it ends up being controversial.When this happens the celebrity or influencer will be called out and bashed by millions on social media and the idea of cancel culture begins. Some examples can be Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein and a list of many others who were ‘canceled’ before their trials ever even took place. In a more recent example, Ellen Degeneres who was called out on social media about her poor workplace conduct was ‘canceled’ before many people in her production even knowing about it.

“Twitter, do your thing” is a new trend on the highly trafficked networking site that encourages a person and their action to be put under a microscope for investigation on something they did that was controversial or offensive. Many users are finding racist comments on other social media or video platforms and posting them to spread the word on that individuals wrongdoing. Once this happens, it goes viral on Twitter and that person will never have a normal life on social media. Do you think it is okay for someone to mess up once in thier life and be publically shamed for it? Do you think as a society this is something that is positive or negative?

Now it’s your turn, do you think mob mentality can be related to cancel culture? Do you think cancel culture is fair?