The Dynamics of Cancel Culture and Forms of Interaction among Social Media Users: A Study of Social Interaction Patterns Based on Phenomena on Platform X

The development of digital technology has given birth to new social practices in the digital space, one of which is cancel culture, a collective action to isolate individuals or groups deemed to deviate from social norms. This phenomenon is increasingly prominent among digital activists, especially on platform X (formerly Twitter), which provides a broad space for public participation and horizontal social control. This study aims to understand how the practice of cancel culture is formed and developed among digital activists, as well as to identify the social factors that influence it. The research employs a qualitative approach using a literature study method. The approach in this research writing utilizes both descriptive and prescriptive types to discuss an issue and phenomenon. The research results indicate that the practice of cancel culture is driven by several key social factors, including collective moral urges, dissatisfaction with the formal justice system, social media algorithms, group identity needs, and weak digital literacy and regulation. These findings contribute to the study of digital sociology, particularly in understanding the transformation of virtual public spaces and the formation of new social norms. Although this practice is effective as a form of social protest, it also leads to negative impacts such as social polarization, psychological pressure, and stifling of expression. This research has limitations regarding geographical scope and platform focus, so further research is recommended to explore the dynamics of cancel culture across platforms and cultures, as well as to examine digital reconciliation mechanisms as a more ethical and constructive alternative to social control.