That’s not a new phenomenon. We’ve always had social and professional pariahs. What’s new is that social media has made it easier for everyone everywhere to find out you’re an asshole. Used to be only the powerful people could ruin your career and get you fired and blacklisted. Maybe you pissed off the wrong executive. Maybe you refused the sexual advances of a powerful person. Maybe you were a homosexual or a communist. Today, there are more protections against that sort of abuse at the hands of the powerful people, and there is greater power in the court of public opinion. But the effect is the same.

“Canceled” is a term assholes came up with to rebrand “consequences” to make it seem like something that isn’t their own fault.