Devaluing Public Apologies in the Age of Social Media: How Polarization and Cancel Culture Complicate the Mea Culpa

In Devaluing Public Apologies in the Age of Social Media, Joshua M. Bentley argues that apologies are losing their meaning in American society as organizations and public figures treat them as strategical tools without considering their ethical implications. As the demand for apologies in the age of social media continues to increase exponentially, Bentley posits, the apologies that are given carry less and less weight to the public. This book examines how controversial figures like Donald Trump and Joe Rogan, as well as brands like Google and Bud Light, have addressed public controversies both effectively and ineffectively, illustrating how social media, polarization, and cancel culture are changing the way apologies are given and received. If apologies are to serve their historical role of resolving conflict peacefully, Bentley argues, they must be placed back into their proper ethical context. This book offers insight on how individuals and organizations can ensure their apologies reflect their authentic values. Scholars of communication, ethics, media studies, political science, and public relations will find it especially useful.

Joshua M. Bentley is associate professor of strategic communication in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.