The implications of account suspensions on online discussion platforms

Abstract

This study explores the impact of temporary account suspensions on users' engagement in online platforms. Using observational data obtained through a collaboration with a prominent online discussion forum in Asia, we conduct empirical analyses that are guided by regulatory focus theory and reactance theory, and we use both propensity score matching and a difference-in-differences regression analysis to uncover insights. We find that suspended users post less frequently after they experience temporary account suspension, but that these users create longer content compared to those users who did not face account suspension. We also find that user characteristics (e.g., platform tenure, prior suspension history) moderate the impact of suspensions on content length and volume. Further, mechanism analyses reveal that content posted by users who experienced temporary account suspension receives more negative reactions from the community after the suspension, even when the content does not violate platform's content contribution guidelines. As a result, suspended users are more likely to leave a platform after the suspension. Our findings contribute to the literature that explores the effects of temporary suspensions on user-generated content management, as well as offer practical insights for platform managers who develop and enforce content moderation policies.