Restrictions on user engagement can occur on social media platforms. This means a user may find they are unable to follow, message, comment on, or even view the profiles and content of specific accounts. For example, a user might attempt to follow an account, only to receive an error message or find that the follow request is never accepted.
The inability to engage with specific accounts can be due to a variety of factors, including the user being blocked by the account in question, the account’s privacy settings restricting access, or platform-level actions taken against an account that violate community guidelines or terms of service. Historically, platforms have increased such restrictions as a measure to combat spam, harassment, and the spread of misinformation, aiming to cultivate a safer and more authentic user experience.
