About the Author:
Marcel Anne C. Balicog is a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts major in Industrial Design student at Bohol Island State University–Main Campus. A multi-awarded campus journalist and student leader, she has earned distinctions such as Champion in the 2025 OSSEI News Reporting competition, Champion in News Writing PAGMULAT 2023, and Best Diplomat at the Asian Youth International Model United Nations 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is also actively involved in various organizations, serving as Chief News Editor of The Senior Craftsmen’s Voice, Project Chairperson of the Rotaract Club BISU Main Chapter, and Diocesan Secretariat for the Campus Ministry Student Catholic Action. Describing herself as a catalyst, she thrives on turning potential into reality and making a lasting impact on both her community and peers.
Cancel or Converse: The Power of Youth Online Today
words by: Marcel Anne Balicog
“We are very good at pointing out what’s wrong. But are we as good at making it right?” When a careless remark appears on Facebook or a controversial TikTok clip starts making the rounds, young Filipinos are often the first to react. From small towns in Bohol to the busiest districts in Metro Manila, students, young professionals, and content creators shape the country’s public conversation. Social media has given them a platform that is instant and far-reaching, capable of exposing abuse, challenging misinformation, and sparking important debates in minutes.
This influence is not just symbolic. Online outrage has led to harassment cases being addressed, prompted local officials to clarify vague policies, and amplified voices from communities that are often ignored. The ability to hold someone accountable without waiting for slow or inaccessible formal channels has empowered the youth to take action on issues that might otherwise be buried. Yet the same speed and scale can cause harm when used carelessly. In close-knit communities, public shaming can blur the line between accountability and harassment, leaving reputations damaged long after the online storm has passed.
Cancel culture thrives on the energy of shared outrage. There are moments when this urgency is necessary, especially in cases of repeated wrongdoing or when those responsible refuse to acknowledge harm. But not all mistakes deserve a public takedown. Some call for a slower, quieter approach, where listening, explaining, and genuine dialogue can lead to lasting change.
The real challenge lies in knowing the difference. Reacting without context risks punishing someone before the full story emerges. Avoiding confrontation entirely can allow harmful behavior to continue. A more thoughtful approach means pausing before posting, asking whether the goal is to create change or to inflict punishment, and deciding if the outcome will repair relationships or deepen divisions.
This is both a local and national issue. The Philippines ranks among the most active social media users in the world. As of 2024 Global Digital Reports, there were 86.75 million social media users in the country, representing 73.4 percent of the population. Young people dominate these platforms, and their posts influence cultural trends, sway political opinions, and shift community dynamics. A viral post might change the tone of a national debate in Manila, but it can also strain relationships in a single barangay in Bohol.
It comes down to this: words travel faster than understanding. Anger can go viral in seconds; wisdom takes time to grow roots. As the old saying goes, “It is better to build a bridge than to burn one, for you might need to cross it again.” Another truth follows: “The louder we shout, the less we hear.” In the rush to be right, we sometimes forget to be kind.
The choice between canceling and conversing will never be easy. Both carry consequences. But the youth have the chance to decide whether their influence will inflame or inform, shut someone out or open a door for growth.
And so the challenge stands: When the next issue erupts online, will the youth strike the match, or light the way?