Online Hate Speech as an Unintended and Paradoxical Outcome of Cancel Culture

This chapter examines the concept of hate speech as an unintended and paradoxical consequence of cancel culture. It presents a theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of cancel culture, to later focus on the implications for some groups of the society such as migrants and the LGBTQIA+ community. With the evolution of communication systems, the transition from offline violence to online violence has overspread, perpetuating even more negative effects. This paper delves into the complex interplay between cancel culture, hate speech, and the digital landscape, highlighting how these phenomena intersect and impact social dynamics on a large scale. By analysing the origins and manifestations of cancel culture, as well as its relationship to other political subcultures, this chapter underscores the need to consider the potential consequences of online activism on the spread hate speech.