diff --git a/app/Models/User.php b/app/Models/User.php
index 776e2b57a..935b8f0a4 100644
--- a/app/Models/User.php
+++ b/app/Models/User.php
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ class User extends Authenticatable
     protected $casts = [
         'last_login'   => 'datetime',
         'last_action'  => 'datetime',
+        'hidden'       => 'boolean',
         'can_comment'  => 'boolean',
         'can_download' => 'boolean',
         'can_request'  => 'boolean',
@@ -673,7 +674,7 @@ class User extends Authenticatable
             return true;
         }
 
-        if ($target->hidden == 1) {
+        if ($target->getAttribute('hidden')) {
             return false;
         }