As activism against racial discrimination grows in today's society, the way activists utilize social media and express their opinions is evolving. The murder of George Floyd has dominated the news, and specific social media platforms have featured arguments both for and against the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

First, the fact that this movement is characterized by a single hashtag highlights the significance of social media in addressing racial and social issues. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people are unable to go to work or leave their homes, internet access is at an all-time high, allowing individuals of all ages to engage with this news. The video capturing the murder spread rapidly among the public, accelerated by hashtags and online sharing. If a similar incident had occurred 20 years ago, before the advent of Instagram and Facebook, such brutality would have only been reported in newspapers. Movements like #BLM have gained strength through the rapid dissemination of information online.

However, the swift spread of social media also means that false information can circulate just as quickly. Once something is posted on Instagram or Twitter, it is visible to the entire world. Internet footprints are difficult to erase due to screenshots and screen recordings. This allows individuals opposing certain organizations to easily spread manipulated evidence and fake news. Many people, myself included, tend to believe what we see on social media apps, whether it appears in someone's Instagram story or a Snapchat headline. Regardless of how easily we accept a follower's word as truth, we must cultivate the habit of fact-checking everything, as a simple typo or manipulated evidence can significantly impact someone's career. This generation is familiar with "cancel culture," a form of online shaming. This term is often used when someone shares a controversial opinion or is exposed for past offensive behavior. Typically, it is celebrities or influencers who face these online humiliations, as their past actions and statements are easily uncovered by the public. "Cancel culture" is something that well-known figures fear, as a single mistake or slip of the tongue can ruin their entire career. Once an individual is exposed for a wrongdoing or biased opinion, the news spreads quickly, and before they even wake up to see the backlash online, they may have already lost thousands of followers, friends, and even career opportunities. For celebrities, exposure can lead to lost brand endorsements and support for their careers as public figures. For ordinary individuals, their misdeeds can affect their future college and job prospects. Once something is posted online, it remains there permanently as part of that individual's record.

Therefore, I believe that cancel culture should not be a practice that continues to thrive. Everyone makes mistakes, and "cancelling" someone does not help them learn from those mistakes. Instead, it normalizes the act of shaming people for their ignorance and unjustly dismantles their careers without offering education. Just like criminals, individuals who make mistakes should face consequences for their actions, but these should also come with the intention of educating them about why their views or past actions are unethical. As humans, we should all allow room for improvement in our lives and extend that opportunity to others as well. This generation is bold and unafraid to stand up for its beliefs and express its opinions. I am proud to be part of it, but we must also strive to improve our approach to educating others about their mistakes, recognizing that none of us are perfect.