Definition of"shadowban" in English
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shadowban
Definitions
Noun
Verb
Examples
"Many content creators suspect they were shadowbanned after their engagement rates suddenly dropped without explanation."
Many content creators suspect they were shadowbanned after their engagement rates suddenly dropped without explanation.
"The platform decided to shadowban accounts that repeatedly spread misinformation, rather than outright banning them."
The platform decided to shadowban accounts that repeatedly spread misinformation, rather than outright banning them.
Synonyms
Etymology
A compound word formed from 'shadow' (implying hidden or unannounced) and 'ban' (meaning to prohibit or restrict). The term gained prominence in the mid-2010s with the rise of social media platforms and their content moderation practices.
Cultural Notes
The concept of a 'shadowban' is deeply embedded in contemporary online culture, particularly among users of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. It reflects a perceived lack of transparency from platform operators regarding content moderation. Users often attribute unexplained drops in engagement or visibility to being 'shadowbanned,' leading to speculation and debate about censorship and algorithmic bias. The term highlights a common user frustration with opaque platform policies and their impact on digital expression and reach.