Shadowbanning

Shadowbanning, also known as stealth banning or ghost banning, is a practice where a user's content or online activity is partially or fully hidden from other users of a service without the user being explicitly notified. This can manifest in various ways, such as comments not appearing on a forum, posts being invisible to others on social media, or search results being de-prioritized. The intent behind shadowbanning is often to control spam, misinformation, or behavior that violates platform guidelines without causing direct confrontation or alerting the user to their restricted status, which could lead to them creating new accounts or altering their behavior to circumvent the restrictions.

The impact of shadowbanning can range from minor inconvenience to significant disruption of a user's online presence. For creators, influencers, or businesses who rely on visibility for engagement or income, a shadowban can drastically reduce their reach and effectiveness. Critics argue that shadowbanning is a form of censorship, lacks transparency, and can be used arbitrarily. They point out that users are left in the dark, unable to understand why their content is not performing as expected or to appeal a decision they may not even be aware of.

Platforms that employ shadowbanning often cite the need to maintain a healthy and safe online environment. They may use it as a tool to combat coordinated inauthentic behavior, harassment, or the spread of harmful content. However, the lack of clear communication and the potential for misapplication mean that shadowbanning remains a controversial and often criticized practice in the digital sphere. Determining whether one has been shadowbanned can be difficult, as the stealthy nature of the practice is its defining characteristic.