The Duality of ‘Cancel Culture’: Youth Perspectives of West Bengal

The present century has witnessed the ushering in of the digital age, with the rapid progression and infiltration of information technology. Social media platforms have transformed the way in which social interaction and communication occur, endorsing a vibrant digital culture. The active engagement between people via these platforms stimulates an environment that nurtures the development of new trends and cultural elements. ‘Cancel culture’ is one such phenomenon that has been incorporated into the lexicon of social media-oriented trends or movements.  This present study is an attempt to understand whether this evolving trend of cancel culture depicts the exercise of freedom of expression or can be considered as a form of castigation. The objectives of the study were – (i) to assess how the youth comprehend cancel culture; (ii) to analyse the role of social media platforms in shaping the practices and narratives of cancel culture; (iii) to examine the perception of their participation in cancel culture by the youth of West Bengal. This study assesses the ways meaning is assigned to cancel culture and the nature and forms of participation by the category of population, designated as the ‘youth’. The findings of the study reveal that the definition of cancel culture is highly subjective, but influenced by direct or indirect factors. Although the phenomenon supports accountability, yet at the same time, negative implications of the said culture remain. The need of the hour is for effective and stronger regulations revolving around such a dynamic digital space.