Kathryn Chapman

NAME: Kathryn Chapman
PLATFORM & USERNAME: Insta – @kathrynchapmanphotography
CENSORSHIP: Content Ban

What reason was given for your ban?

“It violates our Terms of Service and Professional Community Policies.”

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

Having read their policies, I don’t believe it violated either of them.

I think someone saw my image and didn’t like what it brought up for them so reported it.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

I questioned publicly why it had been complained about (using the above as a potential reason) and LinkedIn offered a private consultation as to why it had been removed.  I invited them to talk publicly on my post about it but heard nothing – an open discussion around mental health and the role of photography to improve mental health and wellbeing would have been so interesting to talk about.

Link to post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kathrynchapmanphotography_did-i-get-reported-i-really-hope-so-because-activity-6760632697292419072-ylhP

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

Makes me realise how difficult it is for people to talk about mental health still; how powerful photography is in bringing to light things we cannot put into words and reflecting on what is going on for us. It’s actually made me feel braver and bolder in posting difficult content on social media.

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

Our experience of the world is a direct reflection of what’s going on inside of us – however, you react to a piece of art can give you incredible insights into yourself and what you need. This is gold dust, it’s beautiful, it’s growth and learning, it’s what art is for.