Sociolinguistic Implications of Cancel Culture: The Prose of Language, Power and Social Dynamics in Digital Spaces

Abstract

In particular, the language, tone, and discourse techniques of cancel culture a phenomenon mostly on social media platforms are the focus of this papers exploration. More importantly the sociolinguistic aspects of "cancel culture." Cancel culture is defined by complicated power dynamics, social norms, and beliefs. It entails public calls for accountability, which can lead to social marginalisation. This study uses linguistic behaviours of internet citizens to explore how language is used to support and challenge ‘cancel culture. It also looks at how participants engage different discourse techniques to deal with questions of justice, morality, forgiveness, and exclusion. Principal concerns are the dimensions of language in conveying ethical assessments. The significance of tone in indicating intention and affiliation. Overall, the manners in which linguistic decisions mirror wider societal power dynamics and cultural transformations. In order to shed light on the wider implications for communication and community in an increasingly digital society, this paper will analyse the rhetoric surrounding cancellation of You Tubers and influencers in order to reveal how language not only reflects but also shapes changing attitudes towards social justice and accountability.