International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160   •   Impact Factor: 9.24

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Investigating the Tension of Cancel Culture and its Impact on Freedom of Speech among Communication Students in University of Perpetual Help System Manila

Author(s) Jhaymielle Pacis Lacasandile, Amanda Danielle Deza Mauleon, Mark Carlo Guevarra Sibug, Lenard Dulva Panizares, Paolo Raphael Tuazon De Guzman, Aaron Catulong Ladera, John Jersy Cortez Villanueva, Bernadette Fortin Fernan, Marivic Dominguez Tañedo
Country Philippines
Abstract In recent years, cancel culture has emerged as a powerful social phenomenon, particularly within digital and academic spaces where individuals are encouraged to voice opinions while simultaneously facing the risk of public criticism and social exclusion. While cancel culture is often viewed as a mechanism for promoting accountability and ethical behavior, it has also raised serious concerns regarding its impact on freedom of speech, especially among communication students who are expected to engage in open, critical, and responsible discourse.
This study investigates the tension between cancel culture and freedom of speech among Communication students of University of Perpetual Help System Manila. Specifically, it aims to examine students’ awareness and perceptions of cancel culture, determine its influence on their willingness to express opinions, and analyze how fear of online backlash, social judgment, and public shaming affect their communicative behavior. Anchored in Habermas’ Public Sphere Theory, Noelle-Neumann’s Spiral of Silence Theory, and Chong and Druckman’s Framing Theory, the study explores how social pressures and dominant narratives shape students’ participation in both online and offline discussions.
A descriptive-correlational research design was employed to assess the relationship between cancel culture and freedom of speech. Data were gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire administered to Communication students of University of Perpetual Help System Manila. Statistical tools were used to analyze students’ responses and determine the extent to which cancel culture influences self-censorship, confidence in expression, and engagement in public discourse.
The findings reveal that cancel culture has a significant impact on students’ freedom of speech. While some respondents recognize its role in encouraging accountability and ethical communication, many reported hesitancy in expressing personal opinions due to fear of misinterpretation, criticism, and social repercussions. The results indicate that heightened awareness of cancel culture contributes to self-censorship, supporting the assumptions of the Spiral of Silence Theory.
The study concludes that cancel culture presents a complex challenge for Communication students, requiring a balance between responsible communication and the preservation of free expression. It recommends that academic institutions foster safe spaces for dialogue, critical thinking, and ethical engagement to empower students to communicate confidently while remaining socially responsible.
Keywords cancel culture, freedom of speech, communication students, self-censorship, public discourse, digital communication
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-05-08
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.77401
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