The Mental Toll of Cancel Culture

By: Saachi Sakhalkar

Cancel culture. The phrase itself seems ripped from a dystopian novel, but it's our reality. It’s not just about celebrities being toppled from their pedestals for a misplaced tweet; it’s about the insidious creep of this phenomenon into our minds, twisting our perceptions and shaping our anxieties. What happens when accountability morphs into something darker, something that eats away at our mental well-being, whether we're the target, the instigator, or simply a terrified observer? It can be a magic trick where the confinements of societal pressure tend to wrap around a person, trapping them in their own self-doubt, until eventually their eyes dim and their smiles become forced. 

Being "canceled" can feel like a digital crucifixion. The person who is being canceled is experiencing bullying, which creates feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression (How Counselors Are Dealing With The Impact Of Cancel Culture On ..., 2022, 1). Imagine the onslaught: a tidal wave of criticism, a chorus of condemnation amplified by the echo chambers of social media. Individuals who find themselves at the center of a cancel culture storm often report feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of social isolation (The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health, 2024, 22). It's a form of social rejection, where the acute rejection can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or even trigger new mental health problems (The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health, 2024, 45). The mental health effects of cancel culture depends on whether you are the one being canceled (The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture, 2022, 0). This intense public shaming erodes self-worth, leaving individuals feeling hopeless and diminished (The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture, 2022, 8). It's like being trapped in a nightmare, where every voice is screaming your name, and there's nowhere to hide. Being canceled can lead to anxiety, depression, trauma, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts and behavior (Red Banyan, n.d., 161). 

But what about the ones wielding the digital axe? The "cancelers" themselves aren't immune to the psychological fallout. There might be some satisfaction that gives the canceler a false sense of justice or better social status (How Counselors Are Dealing With The Impact Of Cancel Culture On ..., 2022, 1). However, these feelings may be fleeting and quickly turn to frustration and unhappiness when the offending person or brand pushes back to defend their reputation (How Counselors Are Dealing With The Impact Of Cancel Culture On ..., 2022, 9). There's a strange irony here: in the pursuit of justice, the "canceler" risks sacrificing their own inner peace. The canceler is also putting their mental health at risk (How Counselors Are Dealing With The Impact Of Cancel Culture On ..., 2022, 1). The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as they say. 

Perhaps the most insidious effect of cancel culture is its impact on those who stand on the sidelines. Cancel culture doesn’t just affect the canceled and the cancelers. It can also wreak havoc on onlookers’ mental health (The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture, 2022, 0). Witnessing these digital dogpiles can trigger a profound sense of anxiety and fear (The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture, 2022, 0). Some bystanders become worried and anxious because they fear they too might be canceled one day (How Counselors Are Dealing With The Impact Of Cancel Culture On ..., 2022, 10). This creates a chilling effect, stifling open

dialogue and fostering a climate of self-censorship (The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health, 2024, 31). People are not feeling comfortable sharing what is on their minds which has caused some to debate whether it presents an issue with the right to free speech (The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture, 2022, 0). The confinements of societal pressure tend to wrap around a person, trapping them in their own self-doubt, until eventually their eyes dim and their smiles become forced. 

It's time to ask ourselves: is this the kind of society we want to create? A society where fear reigns supreme, where every word is scrutinized, and where forgiveness is a forgotten virtue? While cancel culture can help combat wrongdoings and address inequalities (The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture, 2022, 0), and serve as a mechanism for promoting accountability and justice (The Impact Of Cancel Culture On Mental Health And Identity, n.d., 82), it often lacks nuance and empathy (The Problem With Cancel Culture Is The Lack Of Forgiveness, 2021, 165). There are alternative approaches that can foster accountability while promoting growth and understanding (The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health, 2024, 37). Constructive Dialogue encourages open and respectful discussions rather than immediate ostracism (The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health, 2024, 38). By emphasizing these alternative approaches, we can foster an environment where mistakes become opportunities for growth and learning, not catalysts for exclusion and division (The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health, 2024, 42). We need to cultivate a culture of compassion, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, and where forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our shared humanity. Ultimately, the confinements of societal pressure can wrap around a person, trapping them in their own self-doubt, until eventually their eyes dim and their smiles become forced. We need to make a change in society, to alter societal norms in a way that makes everyone feel worthwhile and secure.

Bibliography: 

Carlow University. (2022). How Counselors Are Dealing With The Impact Of Cancel Culture On https://www.carlow.edu/how-counselors-are-dealing-with-an-impact-of-cancel-culture-on-mental health/ 

Brad Brenner, Ph.D. (2024). The Psychology of Cancel Culture: Impacts on Mental Health. https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/the-psychology-of-cancel-culture-impacts-on-ment al-health/ 

editorial process. (2022). The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture - Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-health-effects-of-cancel-culture-5119201 

The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture - Sedona Sky Academy. (2024). https://www.sedonasky.org/blog/the-mental-health-effects-of-cancel-culture