Is the act of 'cancelling' a form of online abuse?

The concept of "cancelling" is a complex and often controversial phenomenon in online culture. While it is not inherently a form of online abuse, it can be used in ways that have negative consequences and harm individuals and can align to certain features of what are categorised as online abuse, hate and harrassment. Cancelling typically involves withdrawing support or approval from a public figure or entity, often as a response to perceived offensive actions or statements - but it can also impact private individuals who are often caught on video by another member of the public engaging in anti-social activity such as racist hate speech or sexist discourse.

It's important to distinguish between legitimate calls for accountability and excessive or abusive forms of cancel culture. Holding individuals or entities accountable for their actions and promoting healthy discourse is a valid and important aspect of public discourse. However, it's essential to engage in respectful and fair discussions while respecting individuals' rights and well-being. Ultimately, whether cancel culture is seen as a form of online abuse depends on the specific actions and behaviors involved in each case. Promoting civil discourse, empathy, and respect is important in addressing concerns related to cancel culture.

The potential negative aspects of cancel culture that can border on, or involve features of online abusive behaviour include:

1. Public Shaming: Cancelling often involves public shaming, where individuals are called out and criticized in a highly visible and often aggressive manner. This public humiliation can be emotionally distressing and harmful.

2. Harassment and Bullying: In some cases, cancel culture can devolve into online harassment or cyberbullying, with individuals targeted by a coordinated effort to harm their reputation or well-being.

3. Professional and Personal Consequences: Cancel culture can lead to real-world consequences, such as damage to a person's career or personal life. People may lose their jobs or face significant social ostracization.

4. Lack of Due Process: Cancel culture can sometimes involve hasty judgments and a lack of due process, where individuals are presumed guilty without proper investigation or a fair chance to respond to allegations.

5. Fear of Speaking Out: Cancel culture can create a climate of fear where individuals are hesitant to express their opinions or engage in open dialogue for fear of being targeted.