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There has been a demonstrable culture shift over the last five years. Social media is now an entrenched part of our lives. It has many uses, most of them very beneficial, but it has also led to some consequences which were unlikely unforeseen during its creation. Notably, at the click of a button, news and stories can become viral, which in turn has seen the rise of ‘cancel culture’.
With the rise of cancel culture, celebrities and more increasingly, students, face isolation and being ostracised when an allegation, often unproven, is raised about them.
The sad case of Alexander Rogers, a student of Oxford University, who took his own life following being ostracised due to a concern being raised about a sexual encounter he had, demonstrates how damaging it can be when those subject to investigation or an allegation are ‘cancelled’, often without due process taking place. On the flip side of this, it is of course of vital importance that allegations of sexual misconduct are appropriately investigated.
So, how do we get the balance right?
The Role of Social Media in Cancel Culture
Social media has become a powerful catalyst for cancel culture, amplifying its reach and impact. Here are some key ways in which social media influences, at least in part, cancel culture:
- Amplification of Voices
Social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok allow individuals to share their opinions and experiences with a global audience. Over the last few weeks, we have seen how galvanised people have become at the possibility of TikTok being banned in America. The speed with which information can spread, and the lack of verification of the same, means that anyone can call out perceived wrongdoings, leading to widespread awareness and mobilisation.
- Speed and Virality
Intrinsically linked to the aforementioned, is the rapid spread of information on social media, which can turn a single post into a viral sensation within hours. This speed can intensify the effects of cancel culture, meaning that public figures and organizations such as universities, can quickly find themselves at the center of a social media storm.
- Public Shaming and Accountability
Social media provides a platform for public shaming, where individuals are often held accountable through collective criticism. This can lead to significant consequences, such as loss of employment, endorsements, social standing and access to education, if a student is excluded. Additionally, the visibility of these actions can pressure others to conform to societal norms.
- Polarisation and Echo Chambers
While social media can foster accountability, it can also create echo chambers where like-minded individuals reinforce each other’s views. This can lead to polarisation, where opposing viewpoints are dismissed or attacked, rather than engaged with constructively. In the Higher Education sector, we often find that students subject to investigation have to endure significant pressure from posts about them on social media, which are often damaging to the ongoing investigation, thereby leading to impartiality and unfairness.
What can universities do?
As said at the outset, it is of course of vital importance that allegations of sexual misconduct are dealt with swiftly and effectively, to ensure the safety of all parties. Universities need to actively engage with their student cohorts to provide training and awareness of issues such as consent, ensuring that it is properly understood. Further, any training needs to include signposting and exploration to how investigations are conducted, and how easily said investigations can be tainted by detail being spread on social media. This is not with a view to censoring the ability to talk about sexual misconduct, but to empower students to understand its effects, both negative and positive. For example, it is important for those reporting sexual misconduct to understand, that if they choose to spread the allegation whilst an investigation is ongoing, they could actually undermine the integrity of the investigation, such that it has to be stopped without proper resolution, which is clearly of no benefit to either party.
The Office for Students, is conducting a survey as to the effects of sexual misconduct on students, so that it can understand the prevalence of the issue and how it might be tackled. Universities should keep a close eye on the outcome of this, so that they can consider how to implement any learning within their respective environments.
Conclusion
Social media plays a crucial role in the dynamics of cancel culture, offering both opportunities for accountability and challenges for damage to people’s lives which can be irreversible. As society continues to navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to find a balance that allows for both justice and constructive dialogue.
Further information
If you have any questions regarding this blog, please contact Shannett Thompson in our Regulatory team.
About the author
Shannett Thompson is a Partner in the Regulatory Team and is the firm’s Training Principal. She trained in the NHS and commenced her career exclusively defending doctors. She provides regulatory advice predominantly in the health and social care and education sectors.
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