Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2026
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Communication and Digital Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Whalen, Zach
First Advisor
Dr. Adria Goldman
Major or Concentration
Communication and Digital Studies
Abstract
This study uses qualitative content analysis to examine how cancel culture on YouTube highlights concerns about children’s rights and parenting ethics in family vlogging. It focuses on YouTube channels 8 Passengers and DaddyOFive. The research analyzes selected videos and audience comments to identify recurring patterns in parenting practices, child treatment, and public response. The study explores how disciplinary moments, emotional distress, and monetized family content are interpreted by audiences and framed within broader ethical debates. Findings show that viewers frequently express ethical concern, empathy for children, and distrust of their parents, while also calling for accountability and regulation. Rather than full “cancellation,” audience responses reflect critique and public scrutiny that contribute to cancel culture dynamics surrounding digital parenting. The study argues that family vlogging raises complex tensions between entertainment, parental authority, and children’s digital rights. Overall, it highlights how audience-driven accountability functions as an informal system for ethical oversight in online spaces.
Recommended Citation
Hardy, Alyson M., "Qualitative Analysis on Cancel Culture and Family Vloggers: Examining Child Welfare and Digital Accountability on YouTube" (2026). Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects. 713.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/713