With over 1.90 billion daily users, Facebook has evolved into a platform for people to voice their strong opinions on important issues.
It is a powerful tool for businesses and brands to execute their strategies and reach their target audience, from posting videos and photos to advertising services.
However, Facebook recently made efforts to restrict posts that may promote propaganda or harmful social content in order to maintain its integrity.
As a result, the term “Facebook jail” has spread throughout the platform in an attempt to make users more socially responsible with their content.
What is Facebook jail?
When your ability to post on Facebook is restricted, you are said to be in Facebook jail. It is a phrase that strikes fear into the hearts of all users.
It can happen for a variety of reasons, including posting too many posts in a short period of time, using specific words in your posts, or being reported by another user.
How do you know if you are in Facebook jail?
Have you ever been scrolling through Facebook, minding your own business, when all of a sudden you are unable to like or comment on anything?
If this is the case, you are most likely in Facebook jail.
But how do you know if you are actually in Facebook jail and not just having a bad day?
1. You can’t post anything new
This is possibly the clearest indication that you are a prisoner of Facebook. You are suddenly unable to publish status updates, pictures, or links.
2. You can’t like or comment on anything
If you suddenly find yourself unable to engage with other people’s posts, it’s likely because you’re in Facebook jail.
3. You can’t message anyone
If you try to send a message that doesn’t go through, or if you can’t access your Messenger app, it’s probably because Facebook placed you in jail.
4. You cannot add new friends
If you cannot add a new friend.
How does someone get in Facebook jail?
There can be several reasons why someone ends up in Facebook jail.
1. Posting too fast
A good Facebook profile balances posting new content with producing interesting content that people want to read. You can’t keep posting links to your blog or other articles all day because Facebook will ban your account.
The truth is that if you post too much content in a short period of time or repeatedly share the same information, Facebook will ban you from the platform.
They do this because they want their site’s content to be useful rather than clogged with spam.
2. Sending too many friend requests
Without a doubt, Facebook is an excellent way to meet new people, but there are some ground rules to follow.
If you want to use the platform properly, avoid sending too many requests at once.
Send requests only to people you know on the platform, and don’t send too many at once.
If you send requests to every Facebook user on a regular basis, the organization will put you in jail.
3. Spamming
Spamming is strictly prohibited on Facebook, and users are advised not to engage in it, as the social media site aggressively penalizes spamming actions.
Posting the same content on multiple pages or groups at the same time, leaving excessive comments on posts, sending out large numbers of messages at once, or sending out bulk friend requests are all considered spam on the network and will land you in Facebook prison.
4. Inappropriate content
Facebook strictly prohibits the posting of any inappropriate content on the platform, and all of its users are encouraged to use caution when promoting it.
- The following sorts of content are prohibited on the platform:
- Promotion of sexual activities or nudity.
- Content that promotes self-harm or suicide.
- Bullying and retaliation.
- Vile language.
- Any graphic violence or material that encourages or advocates violence.
- Use of foul words.
- Demonstrating the use of prohibited weapons or engaging in unlawful activity.
5. Using automated software
Automated behaviour patterns that fall into the category of bad automation and are strictly forbidden on the platform include purchasing social media followers, publishing the same content on multiple accounts, interacting with your audience through bots, and using automation to leave likes and comments on random posts.
6. Fraud with Facebook payments
When purchasing an ad package on Facebook, a user must provide their identity and payment card information.
If someone uses an unauthorized credit card that is not in their name, it can lead to Facebook fraud and the user’s profile being banned from the platform.
7. Fake or imposter accounts
Given the growing number of fake accounts on social networking sites, Facebook is extremely picky about who and how they use the site.
Facebook monitors its users to prevent the various crimes that can result from fake and impostor accounts.
Any platform user who engages in any questionable behaviour, such as providing a bogus phone number, will be placed in Facebook jail.
8. Hate speech
Facebook does not want its younger audience to be exposed to negative influences, and it wants all of its users to feel at ease on the site.
As a result, anyone engaging in abusive behaviour, hate speech, or offensive posting on Facebook will almost certainly face jail time.
9. Logging in with different accounts
When it comes to device login policies, Facebook is quite strict – it strongly advises users to sign in to only one account from one device, so each device can only have one Facebook account.
If you use the same device to log into multiple Facebook accounts, you are most likely in Facebook’s jail.
If you need to log in to multiple accounts at once, you can use a VPN that hides IP addresses or a different device.
When it comes to device login policies, Facebook is quite strict – it strongly advises users to sign in to only one account from one device, so each device can only have one Facebook account.
How long does Facebook jail last?
The length of time you have to “serve” your Facebook jail sentence is determined by the type of blocking you received.
You can be placed in Facebook jail either temporarily or permanently.
In other words, either temporarily or permanently blocked.
1. Short term
If you have been temporarily locked out of Facebook, you will be notified when your account will be unlocked.
When it comes to Facebook jail, being temporarily blocked is the lowest level offence, and these only last a day or two.
However, it is constantly changing, so simply pay attention to the date that appears in the notification when you attempt to perform a blocked action, such as posting on your timeline or commenting on a post.
2. Permanently
In a less severe form of a permanent block, you may only have some account features permanently blocked, such as commenting and liking on posts, but you may still have access to other features.
In the most severe case of a permanent block, this means that your Facebook account will be completely banned.
In Facebook prison, it’s a life sentence.
Here is a further breakdown of Facebook jail time based on the severity of the rule violation.
How to avoid Facebook jail
The best way to avoid falling into the Facebook black hole is to follow the rules. This includes no spam, irrelevant or offensive content, or excessive “liking” or commenting.
Instead, you should be clear if you stick to posting quality content that is relevant to your audience.
The best thing to do if you find yourself in Facebook jail is to wait it out. Once your sentence is complete, you can resume posting and messaging as usual.
In the meantime, try to divert your attention to something else – like real life!
How to get out of Facebook jail
If you are already in Facebook jail, there are some tips for making the most of your time in there.
1. Wait and serve your sentence
The most practical option is to simply wait and serve your jail sentence. When you can access blocked features or your account again, Facebook notifies you.
2. File an Appeal
If you want to make the most of your time, you can file an appeal to have the ban lifted. Facebook will send you an email informing you of the status of your appeal.
3. Register a New Account
If the first steps don’t work, you can start over. If your account has been permanently deleted, this should be your last resort.
Avoid any fraudulent practices since Facebook can detect any attempts to hack your way to a shorter restriction period.
Consider Facebook’s community guidelines, and avoid repeating the same violations that got you banned in the first place.
Conclusion
Facebook jail is a real thing that can happen to anyone who violates the site’s terms of service.
To avoid being locked up on Facebook, make sure you only post content that the site allows, that you don’t spam, and that you don’t engage in harmful or dangerous behavior.
Following these simple rules will keep your account out of Facebook jail and in good standing.