Priscilla Song is currently a junior at Tenafly High School. She serves as the Junior Reporter for Mom & I Magazine and is the Managing Editor of her school’s newspaper. Priscilla enjoys painting, writing for her school newspaper, volunteering, napping, and spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her family and creating videos of their trips. She is also a big K-Pop fan, with favorite groups including IZ*ONE, NCT, and BLACKPINK. Although she is not entirely certain about her career path, she hopes to pursue a future in the media or communications field.

As the pursuit of justice for racial groups gains momentum in today’s culture, social media has transformed how activists contribute and express their opinions. The murder of George Floyd has dominated the news, and various media platforms have been used both to support and oppose the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

The fact that the movement is characterized by a hashtag underscores the significance of media in discussions of racial justice and social issues. Especially during this time when nearly everyone is online due to COVID-19 limiting public activities, news is accessible to people of all ages. The video of the murder gained significant traction among the public thanks to hashtags and online sharing. If this event had occurred just 20 years ago, before the advent of Instagram and Facebook, the abuse would have only been reported in newspapers. The power of movements like #BLM is amplified by the rapid dissemination of information on the internet.

However, the fast-paced nature of media also allows for the quick spread of false information. Once something is posted on Instagram or Twitter, it is available for the world to see. Internet footprints are difficult to erase due to screenshots and screen recordings. Those opposed to certain organizations can exploit this by spreading fabricated evidence and fake news. Many people, myself included, are quick to believe anything they see on social media, whether it appears in someone’s Instagram story or as a Snapchat headline. Despite the ease of accepting a follower’s word as truth, we should all develop the habit of fact-checking everything, as a simple typo in an article or manipulated images can significantly impact someone’s career. This generation is heavily influenced by “cancel culture,” a form of online shaming. The term is often used to describe the exposure of individuals who have shared controversial opinions or have been caught engaging in offensive behavior in the past. Typically, it is celebrities or influencers who face these online humiliations, as their past actions and opinions are easily uncovered by the public. This “cancel culture” is a concern for well-known figures, as one mistake or slip of the tongue can jeopardize their entire career. Once an individual is exposed for wrongdoing or a contentious opinion, news spreads rapidly, and before they even wake up to see their denunciation online, they may have already lost thousands of followers, friends, and career opportunities. Celebrities may lose brand deals and the support necessary to continue their careers as public figures. For an average person, their mistakes can affect future college admissions and job prospects. Once information is out on the internet, it remains there permanently.

Consequently, I believe that cancel culture should not continue to be a relevant practice. Everyone makes mistakes, and “cancelling” someone does not facilitate learning from those mistakes. Instead, it normalizes shaming individuals for their ignorance and dismantles their careers without providing education. Like criminals, people who make mistakes should face consequences, but with the intent of educating them on why their views or past actions are unethical. As humans, we should all allow for personal growth and extend that opportunity to others as well. That being said, this generation is fearless and bold, standing up for its beliefs and unafraid to voice its opinions. I am proud to be part of it, but there is also room for improvement in how we educate others about their mistakes, as we are all imperfect beings.