You’re sitting comfortably on your sofa, scrolling through Instagram, sharing a few pictures, maybe even commenting here and there – and suddenly: account blocked. A report that you have allegedly violated the Community Guidelines. What did you do wrong? Who knows? And the worst? There’s no one you can ask. Welcome to the world of Instagram, where your digital existence is determined by an algorithm.
No real help: Support? None!
Instagram is a platform that generates billions in advertising revenue from its users. But as soon as there is a problem, support disappears into thin air. No contact form, no email, no direct contact person. As one Reddit user aptly describes it: “As a company that makes billions from its users, it is completely incomprehensible that there is no customer support form, no email, and no phone number.” Many experience the same thing: accounts are blocked without warning, and every attempt to get a response ends in nothing.
In most cases, a simple algorithm is enough to decide your digital fate. One wrong word, one too quick comment or the wrong picture – and you’re out. Another user sums it up cynically: “It’s crazy that the Instagram boss sits on his side grinning while people are arbitrarily blocked and lose their reach” .
What can lead to a ban: Algorithms as judges
The reason for the closures? Most of the time it remains in the dark. Officially, there are supposed to be violations of the community guidelines, but exactly which ones often remain a mystery. One user reports: “Every time I write a comment I get banned – no matter what I say, even the word ‘nice’ gets me banned.” Another added: “My account has been suspended for an alleged offense that I did not commit. When I lodged a complaint they just said the decision was final.”
The exciting thing about it? It is often not the accounts that actually share offensive content that are blocked. “There are literally pornography accounts that, when reported, say they are not violating the rules. Excuse me?” asks another Reddit user. Apparently the algorithm hits where it wants, and sometimes it hits the wrong people.
Do you want to contact support? Good luck!
Even if your account was only “temporarily” blocked, things don’t look much better. Contacting support is more than difficult. One user describes filling out the same forms over and over again only to receive no response from Instagram: “I sent in my ID and passport, but they keep asking for the same documents.” There is rarely a simple solution – and the patience of the user is put to the test.
Your Instagram account? Just an illusion
However, the real point of all this is much simpler: you don’t actually own your Instagram account. As one Reddit user puts it: “Social media is the modern marketplace. There should be no suspensions or bans unless there is illegal content involved. But in reality we see the opposite: platforms like Instagram reserve the right to block accounts or delete content at any time – often without clear reasons and without the possibility of feedback.
The problem is that these platforms make it almost impossible for their users to fight back. Support is rarely available, and the few requests that do get through receive either no answers or only automated answers. “Instagram doesn’t care about us users unless you make them a lot of money,” writes one frustrated user. This problem is the biggest disadvantage of Instagram.
Conclusion: Be aware that you are just a guest on Instagram
In the end, only one thing remains: As with many social platforms, you are just a guest on Instagram. “Finally, you should always be aware that you are only a guest on such platforms. Your own account and all content do not belong to you, but ultimately Instagram has all the power. As long as you stay in this digital space, you are at the mercy of the platform’s rules – and these rules are often unclear and difficult to understand.
In a world where digital communication is so ubiquitous, you should be aware that you can be sidelined by an algorithm at any time. What remains? Perhaps a retreat to the “free” internet, where content is not controlled by arbitrary guidelines and invisible algorithms. Because the power that Instagram & Co. have over us is only as great as we make it.
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