How to Not Get Banned Off Social Media (Unless You Want To, in Which Case, Make It Count)
Ah, social media—the digital Wild West where you can share your thoughts, connect with like-minded people, and accidentally step on a landmine that gets you booted faster than a cat video goes viral.
If you’ve ever been banned, shadow banned, or thrown into the abyss of community guidelines violations without even knowing what you did wrong, this guide is for you. If you haven’t, congratulations—you’re either incredibly lucky, super boring, or you work for the platform.
This post blends my free speech stance, hacker humor, and practical security advice while paying homage to George Carlin’s 7 Words You Can’t Say on TV in a way that’s both hilarious and genuinely useful.
Without further ado, here’s how to not get yeeted off social media while still maintaining your wit, freedom of speech, and general smartassery.
Know the Algorithm’s Tripwires
Social media companies have built automated systems that scan for “bad words,” “problematic behavior,” and anything that triggers their content moderation bots. This isn’t run by humans with a nuanced understanding of context—no, it’s an overworked AI that once mistook a pastor’s sermon for hate speech and flagged someone talking about their chicken breast recipe as explicit content.
Some words will get you flagged instantly, while others depend on how, where, and when you use them. More on that later.
Pro tip: If you ever feel like the system is unfair and inconsistent, that’s because it is. Accept this and move accordingly.
Avoid the Forbidden Words (Or Get Creative With Censorship)
In honor of George Carlin, we present a comprehensive (but ever-changing) list of words that will fast-track you to the digital gulag:
(Insert long and evolving list of words here—everything from the obvious to the absurd, including slang that platforms mistakenly flag as hate speech, violent threats, or spicy content.)
Workaround: Censorship evasion has become an art form. This is why people type “unal!ve” instead of “suicide,” “corn” instead of “porn,” or just replace half their words with emojis. It’s not just dumb internet lingo; it’s survival.
Don’t Engage in “Bad Think” (Even by Accident)
You don’t have to actually violate guidelines to get banned. Sometimes, merely expressing a controversial opinion, posting an incorrect fact (even if it’s later proven true), or getting mass-reported by a bunch of angry trolls is enough.
How to avoid this:
- Stay as neutral as possible when discussing the forbidden topics (but where’s the fun in that?)
- Learn the art of sneaky wording—say the same thing in a way that flies under the radar.
- Use code words like a cyberpunk dystopian rebel.
Thou Shalt Not Poke the Moderators (Too Hard)
You might think it’s funny to test the limits by tagging social media support and saying, “Hey, can I say this?” Spoiler: You cannot.
- Arguing with mods or AI appeals is like yelling at a Magic 8-Ball.
- If you must appeal, be professional and polite—even if you want to type in all caps.
- If you suspect human intervention, word your response as if a lawyer will read it (because they might).
Beware the “Guilt by Association” Ban
Did your buddy just get banned? Did you share, like, or comment on their post? Congrats, you might get a temporary vacation too.
- Avoid sharing posts that are already under review unless you want to join them in exile.
- Be careful with inside jokes that moderators won’t understand. That meme your hacker friend posted? To the algorithm, it’s a manifesto.
The Shadow Ban | When You’re Not Banned, But You Might As Well Be
Sometimes, you don’t get banned outright, but suddenly:
- Your engagement drops to zero.
- Your posts are invisible to people who don’t already follow you.
- You feel like you’re yelling into the void.
This is a shadow ban. No, they’ll never admit it exists. Yes, it does.
How to recover:
- Go silent for a bit. Stop posting for a few days and break the algorithm’s attention on you.
- Remove “bad” posts.
- Interact like a normal, wholesome human for a while.
Pro Tip: This won’t help if you work in a sensitive field where shadow banning is practiced regularly, like tech, cybersecurity, etc.
In fact, I have lived under a shadow ban since its inception due to my deep work in technology and cybersecurity. Some folks were concerned about what I might choose to reveal, which resulted in them inadvertently revealing how shadow banning is technologically constructed and deployed globally.
“It’s Not What I Say, But How I Say It.” – Mae West
People often worry about what they say online, but the real trick is how they say it. The system isn’t just scanning for “bad words”—it’s analyzing patterns, sentiment, and intent. The meta-layer of moderation is what most people miss.
Somewhere out there, a system is logging who you interact with, how often, whether your tone is escalating, and even the velocity of your conversations. It’s not just about saying “the wrong thing”—it’s about not behaving in a way that makes the system nervous.
As for me, well, I’ve been told that I make “a lot of systems very, very nervous.” Gosh, I feel just like Adam Sandler’s character in the movie, LIttle Nicky. Enjoy a few fun scenes here: https://youtu.be/Nq-ncj5mzsY?feature=shared.
If You Must Go Out, Go Out in a Blaze of Glory
If you do get banned, make sure it was for something truly epic. A meme so devastatingly hilarious that they had no choice but to shut you down. A parting shot that gets screenshotted and shared in digital folklore.
If you weren’t at least a little legendary when they banned you, what was the point?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, social media companies own their platforms, and you’re playing in their sandbox. You can either follow the unspoken rules, learn how to navigate the landmines, or risk digital exile.
But let’s be honest—half the fun is in figuring out where the lines are and toeing them just enough to make the algorithm sweat.
Stay smart. Stay snarky. And may your posts always evade the ban hammer.
Bonus | The Ultimate List of Words That Will Get You Banned
(Check back for updates in collaboration with the great minds of social media exile.)
Here’s a list of resources that detail terminology and topics which may lead to social media bans. While there isn’t a single definitive “badass dark website” that consolidates all such information, several reputable sources provide extensive lists and insights
FrontGate Media’s List of 723 Bad Words to Blacklist
This resource offers a detailed compilation of words that are commonly blacklisted to maintain brand safety on platforms like Facebook. It also includes guidance on utilizing Facebook’s moderation tools effectively.
NOTE: Even though the word “blacklist” is an industry standard term, I got a “naughty notice” from my Yoast SEO plugin telling me I needed to change the word to something else. Apparently, their AI now thinks that common technology jargon is now potentially harmful. In keeping with the tone of this article, I naturally decided to use the warning notice as the article image.
Reddit’s Compilation of 500+ Words to Ban
Within the NewTubers community on Reddit, experienced content creators have shared a Google Doc listing over 500 words that could be problematic for monetization and compliance on platforms like YouTube. This user-generated list reflects collective experiences and insights.
OnlyFans Restricted Words and Guidelines
For creators on platforms like OnlyFans, understanding specific restricted words is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive list of terms that are prohibited in usernames, bios, posts, or messages, helping creators remain compliant.
Midjourney’s Banned Words List
If you’re involved in AI-driven platforms like Midjourney, it’s essential to be aware of specific content restrictions. This updated list outlines words related to gore, violence, and explicit content that are prohibited to ensure compliance with community guidelines.
Instagram’s Banned Hashtags
Understanding which hashtags are banned on Instagram can help maintain engagement and visibility. This guide provides the latest list of prohibited hashtags and explains the reasons behind their restrictions.
Want to completely avoid potential social media bans and maintain your freedom of expression? Then check out my article, The Internet Isn’t Just Social Media.
Staying Out of Internet Jail and “Double-Plus Good”
By consulting these resources, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and topics that are often restricted across various social media platforms, enabling you to navigate these digital spaces more effectively and in compliance with their guidelines. That is definitely Big Brother-approved, and “Double-plus good.” – George Orwell
Unlock the Secrets of the Digital World with Our Engaging Article Series | Things Schools Should Actually Teach
Dive into our lively collection of articles designed to boost your digital savvy and cybersecurity know-how. From demystifying the differences between websites and platforms to mastering online privacy, our series offers practical insights to help you navigate the internet like a pro.
Things Schools Should Actually Teach | The Ultimate Internet Survival Guide
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