Social media is a marketing necessity for most authors. Over the years, I’ve maintained accounts on many platforms. The ones that worked, I kept. The others, I left behind. For a long time, Facebook was one of the ones that worked. I used it regularly and built a solid following there.

A couple of weeks ago, I tried to log in — and Facebook told me my password was incorrect.

Repeated attempts got me locked out. After several days, I tried again. When that failed, I clicked to reset the password. Facebook emailed me an eight-digit code. I copied it, sent it back, and waited for the moment when I would be asked to enter a new password and return to my page.

That didn’t happen.

Instead, I was asked for a government photo ID — something like a driver’s license — and a video of my face turning from side to side.

Even though I was already frustrated, I clicked through, assuming I would be asked to upload a photo of my ID.

Nope.

Facebook wanted me to hold the ID up to my camera so it could take the picture itself. That’s asking for your identity to be stolen so that didn’t happen. Repeated attempts to find solutions failed. There is no one to call. No one to email. No live chat. Everything is automated.

Ironically, this security process is tighter than what my bank uses — and when I have a problem with my bank, I can call and talk to a real human being.

While I can no longer update Facebook, you can still connect with me in other places.

📚 Follow me on Amazon
🌐 Visit my website
✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter
🐦 Join me on X/Twitter
▶️ Watch my videos on YouTube
📷 And now — follow my new journey on Instagram

Facebook may have locked me out, but they also pushed me forward.

Why Does Facebook Hate Me?