Facebook is a wonderful social media network for connecting with your friends, family members, and other loved ones, as well as sharing common interests and opinions, or even loving memories.
However, much like anywhere else on the internet, Facebook can also come across its fair share of rude, harmful, hateful, or other inflammatory posts and comments. For that reason, Facebook has a native Report option that allows its users to file a complaint about negative content on the website.
But what exactly does this mean, and what happens to you if you are reported on Facebook? Here are some explanations:
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How does reporting work?
Whenever a Facebook user comes across content they find to be inappropriate for the website, and which possibly doesn’t follow Facebook’s guidelines, they have the opportunity to report a specific comment, post, or even an account that could be harmful.
All they need to do is click on the More icon, and select the Report option to automatically send a complaint to Facebook, along with their reasoning for this action.
Facebook will then review the potentially harmful content, and decide on a course of action.
What happens if you’re reported?
If you’re wondering what exactly happens to you and your account if someone reports you on Facebook, the answer to that question could depend on several factors.
Firstly, keep in mind that Facebook reviews all reported content. This means that if you weren’t reported for a valid reason, Facebook most likely won’t take any action against you. You will be able to continue using the website as usual.
However, if your comment, post, or account has been reported for a justifiable reason (such as being hateful, discriminatory, or otherwise inflammatory) then Facebook could take action against you in several ways. Firstly, they will most likely issue a warning, telling you that your account might be blocked or deleted if you continue violating their policy. If you do keep up with that behavior, or if the reported content was particularly harmful, Facebook could also block or delete your account automatically. In quite serious, disturbing, or potentially life-threatening instances, Facebook has also said they would contact local authorities for further action.
On the other hand, if only a specific post or comment you made was reported, which violated the guidelines but wasn’t particularly serious, it will most likely be removed by Facebook.
What can you do if your account was suspended?
In case Facebook has only blocked or suspended your account, you might be able to get it back automatically after they do a review. You could also attempt to contact Facebook’s customer support, and ask them to get your account back.
If your account was deleted, on the other hand, you won’t be able to get it back. You could only create a new account with a new email and other information.
Can you find out who reported you?
No. Facebook keeps all the information about the people who send reports private, in an effort to protect them, and to encourage reports of inflammatory content. There is no way for you to find out who reported your posts, comments, or accounts.
And that’s it; all the information you need to know about reporting content and accounts on Facebook, as well as the repercussions of such acts.
