Jamie Mattocks

NAME: Jamie Mattocks
PLATFORM & USERNAME: Insta – @oneafter12
CENSORSHIP: Shadow Ban

What reason was given for your ban?

The use of buzzwords causing red flags, no matter the context in regards to covid.

Why do you think your post(s) was censored?

I am a tattoo artist. I rely on social media to earn a living. I use it to my full capability. I have recently had to use the words such as, cancel, cancellation, isolation and covid in my posts and stories in regards to clients having to rebook and reschedule due to isolating after positive tests. Since using these buzzwords I have seen a drastic drop in engagement, reach and impressions from my business account. I have not needed to use these words in the past, nearly two years and avoid using any of these words but as of late have felt the belt tightened.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

I have not, just researched the pros and cons of switching from a business account back to a personal account which I have found interesting and possibly more affective than constantly trying to push certain posts.

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

Apart from the obvious affects of losing custom and now having to fight for clients and to gain bookings due to literally not being seen by any of my previous followers but I am now feeling the mental strain of social media taking over my life and the deeper black hole I am slowly diving in to; checking insights daily, posting on certain times on certain days meaning I stop plans in real life, such as the beauty of a coffee on the way to a gallery to stop and make sure I get a post out on time. Making sure I am using rotated and correct hashtags and constantly trying to engage my old followers as well as push my work out to new accounts.

What’s one thing you want people to know about this topic?

I guess on the basic level of this application I want to tell people to be careful of the strain that comes with chasing a never ending dream, one will never have enough followers or likes. But I, like most people, need social media it’s the digital age, I have seen the tattoo industry go from word of mouth street shops to a popularity contest that I must take part in.