« Digitine » is the new expression of cancel culture

The sentence is irrevocable for celebrities who do not use their privilege for the good of humanity. Gen Z has invented a new virtual punishment for the guilty: the « digitine », a contraction of « digital » and « guillotine », which involves blocking influencers who do not fight injustice. The term was developed by TikToker @ladyfromtheoutside. In her video, she calls on internet users to conduct a « digitine » on celebrities who choose not to help people in distress despite their colossal fortune and massive influence. The young woman argues by reminding us that « We gave them a platform, it’s time to take it back ». The goal is to reduce the income these influencers receive through social media advertisements.

The first « execution » was ordered for influencer Hayley Kalil. Her crime? During the Met Gala, she posted a video dressed as Marie Antoinette, whispering « let them eat cake » (« qu’ils mangent des brioches »), a famous quote attributed to the queen when she was informed that her starving people could not afford bread. This did not go down well with Gen Z, who accuse the young woman of not only mocking the lower social classes but also of having done absolutely nothing for them despite her significant influence. The timing of the video was also heavily criticized. Saying « let them eat cake » during a famine crisis in Gaza only added fuel to the fire. Following the digitine movement, the influencer reportedly lost 80,000 followers even after posting an 8-minute video with her most sincere apologies. The movement appears unstoppable with the publication of a « digitine list » on social media. The punishment is clear for all these celebrities who have not spoken out about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The list includes renowned stars like Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, and Taylor Swift.

The « digitine » could be the result of cancel culture, transformed by the anger of the new generation, tired of the inaction of the privileged in a firmly unjust world. In a society where information has never been more accessible, stars can no longer deceive even their most ardent fans about their political or humanitarian stance. Some defend the celebrities, declaring that they have the right to be apolitical and are not obliged to take a stance on every cause. However, in a context where the favors enjoyed by « nepo babies » are decried, « eat the rich » has become a daily slogan, do celebrities really have the choice to remain silent in their comfortable chairs filled with privilege? Gen Z does not seem afraid to denounce injustices bluntly, and it is likely that future generations will only amplify their voices.