Deplatforming

The Bridge: With great power comes great responsibility. Gen Z has a specific term for the removal of those who misuse their (social media) power.

UR CANCELED! 🚫

We’re all familiar with cancel culture, the Gen Z initiative that holds people accountable for bad behavior (for the most part), but what about the mechanics of it? How does it work?

One word: “Deplatforming”

Deplatforming, or removing a person’s access to their large audiences/followings, is the hallmark of any legitimate cancel campaign. The process typically begins (like most things these days) via social media.

Prime examples of deplatforming can be seen in Andrew Tate’s recent removal and ban from major social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. It may seem trite, but these measures have devastating consequences for the deplatformed, removing their main source of outreach and income.

Which is the point. Think of social media as the collective workspace, and Gen Z approval as HR. If you’re not performing within the guidelines of the culture…

👉 You’re Fired! 

Ironically, that statement brings to mind other infamous deplatforming incidents.

Here’s some examples:

1. Donald Trump’s ban from most social media sites. 
2. Kanye West’s suspension from Instagram and Twitter. 
3. Sneako’s ban from YouTube
4. Alex Jones banned from Facebook, YouTube, and Apple.

In other cases, deplatforming takes place when the public demands someone be removed from their job, or lose a lucrative endorsement deal. Travis Scott’s massive loss of brand deals in the wake of his deadly Astroworld festival immediately comes to mind.

If you don’t know who Travis Scott is, ask your grandkids.

Now time for our favorite segment – use the guide below to learn Gen Z’s coded language for getting someone fired.

• “Deplatform” – The removal of a person from their platform of influence.
• “Canceled” – Being socially ostracized for bad behavior. The state of being post-deplatforming.
• “Should I post this? I don’t want to be canceled.” – The question many Gen Z social media users ask their friends before posting something that could be perceived as controversial.
• “Call Out/Call Out Post” – The act of challenging someone’s views or behavior in a public setting, typically done through social media posts highlighting a series of offenses.
• “🚫” – The emoji used when someone posts something that could get them canceled. Also used to spam the posts of those who are already canceled, but not deplatformed.

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