FENOMENA CANCEL CULTURE DI PLATFORM “X”: PENGHAKIMAN PUBLIK DALAM RUANG DIGITAL

Abstract

The cancel culture phenomenon on the "X" platform is a form of public judgment in the digital space, where individuals or groups are boycotted because they are deemed to have violated social norms. This research uses a qualitative approach with critical discourse analysis to understand how cancel culture develops on this platform and its impact on free speech and social structures. Data was collected through tweet scraping and literature study, with a focus on the use of retweets, hashtags and comments as tools for forming collective narratives. Research results show that cancel culture often has psychological, social and professional impacts on its targets, including isolation, loss of reputation and threats to mental health. Meanwhile, this phenomenon also creates fragmentation and echo chambers, which strengthen the majority view but exclude the minority perspective. Using Habermas's Public Sphere Theory approach, this research reveals that the cancel culture phenomenon limits the freedom of rational and inclusive dialogue, turning the "X" platform into an arena for mass judgment that often ignores ethical principles. Although cancel culture can be used to demand social justice, this practice often produces greater negative impacts, such as polarization and restrictions on open discussion. This research emphasizes the need for in-depth evaluation of digital social control mechanisms to create healthier and more inclusive public spaces.