shadowbanned

Shadowbanning is a practice where a user's content or presence on an online platform is partially or wholly hidden from other users without their explicit notification. This means that the user can still post, comment, or interact, but their actions are not visible to the general community, or are significantly de-prioritized in feeds and search results. The term "shadowban" is informal and not officially used by most platforms, which may prefer terms like "de-amplification" or "visibility filtering."

The reasons for shadowbanning can vary widely. Platforms may implement it to combat spam, harassment, or the spread of misinformation. It can also be used to enforce community guidelines or terms of service without directly confronting the user. Some users believe shadowbanning is used to suppress certain political viewpoints or controversial opinions, though platforms generally deny this.

Identifying a shadowban can be difficult for the user. Common indicators include a sudden and significant drop in engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares. Posts may not appear in hashtag searches or on explore pages, and other users might not be able to find their profile or content. Many platforms do not confirm or deny shadowbans, making it a subject of much speculation and debate within online communities. The lack of transparency surrounding the practice leads to user frustration and distrust.