Perceived Impact of Cancel Culture and the Mental Health Challenges Associated With the Aftermath: A Discourse for Social Workers in Nigeria

Abstract Historically, cancel culture has always existed the only variation is in its manifestation. Canceling an individual, group, or organization denotes to boycotting and publicly shaming them in response to a perceived or actual transgression, most often involving political viewpoints or social justice issues. The aim of this phenomenology qualitative research study was to investigate how cancel culture on social media sites leads to associated mental challenges. The study conducted In-depth interviews with 25 participants who were purposively selected graduates of University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the data gotten was thematically analyzed. Findings show that social media sites have significantly contributed to cancel culture and the most indicated social media sites identified in this study were Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and most recently TikTok. Participants also noted that cancel culture has positive impacts but when taken to the extreme it negatively impacts the canceled and to a large extent their family leading to mental health issues such as isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and mental health problems. The study recommends that social workers who are part of social service providers should encourage zero tolerance against cancel culture. In conclusion, punitive measures and bans should also be issued to anyone promoting or instigating this act as its negative impact is more severe than its positive impact. Future research may use a quantitative research design to have a general view of the factors promoting cancel culture and the best methods in controlling canceling, this will create room for better social services and an advancement in social service research.