Social Commandeering

(Civilian) Social Commandeering (AKA Social Hijacking)

A phenomenon where individuals, under the guise of social righteousness, attempt to seize control of someone's work, career, or reputation. These groups believe their moral or social agendas should take precedence and use social pressure to enforce this belief. On the internet, they often target artists, podcasters, or other creators, demanding that they endorse specific agendas or censor certain content. This practice forces creators to speak with a voice other than their own, undermining their original goals and leading to severe repercussions, such as public shaming or career damage, if resisted. This can be seen as a form of reverse 'Virtue Signaling,' where the pressure to conform is imposed externally rather than expressed personally.

"After releasing a new virtual art exhibition, the host faced Social Commandeering when a vocal group demanded the removal of an artist they found controversial." "Wow, even here people are so risk averse!"