We used to think “cancel culture” could end a career. But in 2025, it’s clearer than ever: nothing is truly cancelable anymore. In an age of algorithm-driven attention, outrage is no longer a deterrent it’s a form of fuel.
Take a recent example from the music industry. A controversial song was removed from major streaming platforms. Yet, it quickly found a second life on TikTok and other social platforms, racking up millions of views and shares. It’s a reminder that de-platforming isn’t the same as de-amplifying, not in the age of the viral algorithm.
This isn’t about defending controversial content. It’s about understanding the mechanisms that allow it to thrive. Even after industry pushback and loss of traditional media access, some figures continue to command massive audiences and generate significant revenue. That’s not the footprint of someone who’s been silenced that’s someone still active in the attention economy.
If you want to understand why this happens, read The Power of Bad by John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister. The book explores how bad news spreads faster, sticks longer, and shapes behavior more effectively than positive information ever could. A line that stood out to me: “It takes four good things to overcome one bad one.” Algorithms don’t just reflect that bias — they amplify it.
In today’s media landscape, virality doesn’t ask who is right it asks who is loud, divisive, and clickable. And more often than not, the algorithm chooses outrage over nuance.
This dynamic has fueled the rise of numerous polarizing figures some of whom have been banned from mainstream platforms, yet still build influence through third-party uploads, affiliate content farms, or algorithmic workarounds. Deplatforming, paradoxically, can even become part of a branding strategy a way to appear rebellious or “uncancellable” in the eyes of a loyal audience.
So we’re left with an uncomfortable question: When outrage becomes profitable, are we really punishing bad behavior or just promoting it in disguise?
Disclaimer: This article offers opinion-based commentary on cultural and media trends. All examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to reflect the views or actions of any specific individual.