That phrase brings on a whole new meaning since losing access to my Instagram account…
It might not seem like a lot, but I currently have no access to my account with all 6200ish followers. Those followers are genuine, organic followers, with whom I’ve built wonderful relationships and am devastated to have lost. Unfortunately there is no way for me to regain them unless Instagram gives me back my account.
This has been a lot more emotional than I would have expected. I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m frustrated. But mostly, I’m tired. This is sucking the life out of me and I’m honestly getting to the point where I’m asking myself is this even worth it? Is all this stress and anxiety about a stupid social media site even worth it?
I genuinely appreciate the friendships that I’ve made and the conversations I have with people and that isn’t something I want to give up. I’ve appealed this massive mistake on Instagram’s part numerous times.
Here’s what happened:
Backtrack to about a month and a half ago… I woke up to a text message with my verification code for Instagram. Which would indicate that someone was attempting to access my account… so in a panic I changed my password before I took a shower and got ready for the day. Thinking nothing of it I went about my day and the next few weeks. Fast forward to Saturday. I was trying to log into Instagram in another app, and forgot what I had hastily changed my password to, so I figured no worries I have two factor authentication on, I’ll just change my password… and enter the code they text me. So I changed it and then waited for the text… nothing. So I clicked for a new code… nothing … so I clicked to use my backup codes. None of them worked…
Then I followed the prompts to gain access to my account which included sending a photo of me holding a piece of paper with a code written on it, to Facebook support. At first it seemed kind of fishy but I researched and found that this is in fact legitimate. I then FINALLY got back into my account only to be told that I said I was under the age of 13 and that Instagram was disabling my account. WHAT?? So since that, I’ve appealed this numerous times.. sending my drivers license to Instagram to prove that I am in fact myself and WELL OVER the age of 13.
So after several days of turmoil I decided to reach out to some of my blogging friends and create a new account. I’m not really interested in starting completely over, but if that’s what I have to do then so be it.
This might seem a little bit dramatic… Come on Sam… this is just social media. But to me it’s more than that… it’s two entire years of busting my ass to gain an organic following. I don’t buy followers. I don’t buy likes. I don’t pay money to do massive giveaways to gain followers. I’m still trying. I’m doing everything in my power to gain access to my account. But what I’ve learned from this is that there is literally no way to speak to anyone and get any help. I’ve filed claims… submitted appeals… messaged literally anyone I can think to message… I’m at a loss.
Follow my new account at Instagram.com/_asimplelifeblog and let’s show Instagram that you want me back! ❤️
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