The Dark Side of Social Media: How My Sikh_Journalist Instagram Account Got Hacked
Don't trust a random link from your friend or any suspicious message you get out of nowhere - it can be the reason you get hacked
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s where we share our stories, connect with loved ones, and even build professional identities. For me, my Instagram account, @Sikh_Journalist, was more than just a platform; it was my voice, my work, and a hub for storytelling within the Sikh and broader BIPOC communities. But in a single moment, that voice was silenced. My account was hacked, and what followed was an eye-opening journey into the dark side of social media and the vulnerabilities we often overlook.
The Reality of Getting Hacked
It started with a seemingly innocent email—a notification that appeared to come from Instagram. The message claimed there was suspicious activity on my account and urged me to click a link to secure it. Trusting the legitimacy of the email, I clicked. Moments later, I was locked out of my account. The hackers had taken over.
What shocked me wasn’t just how quickly it happened but how easy it was for them. With the right phishing tactics, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in seconds. It’s a harsh reminder that no matter how careful we think we are, the online world is rife with risks.
The Dark Side of Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram promise connection, creativity, and community. But they often fail to deliver adequate protection and support when things go wrong. Once my account was hacked, I immediately contacted Instagram through its official channels. I filled out forms, verified my identity multiple times, and waited. I almost lost hope during the back and forth between Meta Business Suite and Instagram about my account getting hacked until it was finally taken down recently.
Unless you’re a celebrity or influencer with millions of followers, platforms like Instagram often treat users as expendable. Their support systems are slow, unresponsive, and, at times, non-existent. This lack of accountability highlights a harsh truth especially for big tech companies: the average user is just a data point, not a priority.
How to Protect Yourself
My experience taught me some hard lessons about online security. Here are some steps everyone should take to protect their accounts:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a text message code, to log in.
Use a Strong Password: Avoid using common phrases or personal information. Opt for a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and change your password regularly.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Double-check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on unsolicited links. Official platforms will never ask for sensitive information via email.
Regularly Monitor Your Account Activity: Keep an eye on login activity and immediately log out of devices you don’t recognize.
Backup Your Content: Don’t rely solely on social media to store your memories or professional work. Regularly save your photos, videos, and posts elsewhere.
What to Do If You Get Hacked
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are the steps to take:
Act Quickly: Go to Instagram’s Help Center and follow their steps for hacked accounts. This may include verifying your identity and providing account details.
Change Your Passwords: If you can still access your account, change your password immediately. Update any other accounts that used the same or similar passwords.
Enable 2FA: If not already activated, enable two-factor authentication to prevent further breaches.
Report the Issue: Notify Instagram, even if their response is slow. Document all communication for reference.
Inform Your Community: Let your followers know your account has been compromised. This can prevent them from falling victim to scams using your profile.
Reflections on the Dark Side of Social Media
The hacking of my @Sikh_Journalist account was more than an inconvenience; it was a wake-up call. Social media platforms are tools, but they are far from infallible. They lure us in with promises of connection and creativity but often leave us vulnerable to exploitation. Worse, they fail to take meaningful action unless you’re someone with significant influence.
This experience has reminded me of the importance of diversifying how I share my work and connect with my audience. While social media remains a valuable tool, it’s not the end-all-be-all. My blog, newsletters, and other platforms are now taking center stage as I rebuild what was lost.
A Call to Action
If you’re reading this, take a moment to review your online security practices. Don’t wait until you’re hacked to take action. We must demand better accountability from platforms like Instagram. Our voices and stories deserve protection, whether we have 100 followers or 100,000. As for me, I refuse to let this setback define me.
My storytelling will continue, stronger and more resilient than ever. This is just another chapter in my journey—one that highlights the importance of vigilance in a digital world. Together, let’s navigate the challenges of social media and emerge more informed, secure, and connected than ever before.
As a fellow journalist and a Nigerian, I'm truly appalled and sorry that you had to experience this. 🥹