Deconstructing Islamic Cyberculture: Mitigating Inferiority and Cancel Culture in Virtual Space

Abstract

This article aims to explore the values of Islamic Cyberculture in mitigating inferiority and cancel culture in virtual spaces. The phenomenon of cancel culture and inferiority is an interesting issue. In Indonesia, this issue has affected people's personal lives, from rejection to petitions. This is certainly legitimate because there are no regulations governing the criminal offence of cancel culture. However, psychologically, it is found that this culture arises because of the inferiority of individuals so that they make destructive movements. The urgency of this research is to rebuild Islamic Cyberculture in overcoming problems in social media. This article uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Primary data in this research are case examples and articles that are reviewed using literature review techniques. After the data is collected, the author will analyse the data using content analysis techniques. The results show that there are at least four components of Islamic Cyberculture in the Qur'an, namely: Principles of Justice and Equality, Ethics of Speaking and Interacting, Importance of Knowledge and Reflection and Avoiding Fitnah and Ghibah. Field facts show that there are at least five urgent challenges regarding inferiority and cancel culture in Indonesia, namely: 1) Social Pressure and Unrealistic Expectations, 2) Cancel Culture and Quick Judgement, 3) Self-Censorship and Restrictions on Freedom of Expression, 4) Polarisation and Lack of Constructive Dialogue and 5) Use of Technology for Character Destruction. All of these problems can be minimised by Islamic Cyberculture that continues to voice positive messages, build awareness of digital ethics, and educate the public. Islamic Cyberculture brings a grand narrative in restoring a more inclusive and wise virtual environment.