On using your full name as your account name...
I've been noticing full names (both first and last) in usernames lately, and although that doesn't technically violate our guidelines, it's still a point of concern. 7 Cups is an anonymous website as long as you do not reveal personally identifying information. This is one of the reasons we don't condone offsite contact by way of sharing social media handles. Unfortunately, you never know what someone with identifying information will do, and if you take communication off 7 Cups, we won't be able to assist you, should something happen on another site.
A first and last name combined with other identifying information could be a risk in the wrong hands. To combat that possibility, we discourage the use of full names in usernames, bios, and across the site as a whole.
Our primary concern is keeping you safe! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about staying anonymous on 'Cups!
And if you have any tips, advice, or even stories to share based on your experience, would love to hear them in the replies!
I have always used my real name on the Internet, and after many years I can report that it has never caused me any problem at all. The only place where I use a false name is here at 7 Cups. I do that only out of respect for 7 Cups' traditions. All our 7 Cups therapists, without exception, use their real names here, and none of them have ever come to any harm as a result.
It's important to remember, I think, that people come to 7 Cups for emotional support. Many of the people here have anxiety disorders. Personally, I think it's irresponsible to promote fears of imaginary harm in a place like this where vulnerable people are present.
I'm happy with the tradition of using false names here, and I'm happy to see that tradition encouraged. But I'm unhappy with the suggestion that real names are unsafe in some way.
@Heather225
@RarelyCharlie
I completely understand what you're saying. And on their own, full names aren't unsafe. That's why there's no rule against using whatever name you want; no one can confirm either way. It's only when combined with other information that someone is starting to spread breadcrumbs. And as I told someone farther down, I have assisted users here who have unfortunately disclosed enough information about themselves that they found themselves in situations where they had to change their usernames to protect themselves. And it's scenarios like those that we try to avoid by sharing insight. That's also why we dissuade people from shaing offsite contact. I'm sorry you see this as creating imaginary fear. This would not be a subject, and we wouldn't have a Safety and Kowledge SC if situations like this did not arise to create a need for awareness.
In the end, you create your own expereince online, but if we can help on our end, we gladly will.
How do we know that the first and last name are their real ones?
@StrivingSoul
We don't, and that's why it's not against our rules. But it is worth mentioning as I have come across many users here who openly share personal information, and it has led to some unfortunate stalking incidents which then led to name changes. It's not just been one single thing that has been shared. Most of the time it's been a combination of things such as name/social media, email/social media, so it's not any one piece of information that has caused any harm.
Putting up this kind of information is solely intended to give insight so we can be mindful of what we're sharing on a site that values safety and anonymity. Hope this helps explain it. 
My view on real names is that if you have a very commone name I don't see any harm in it. But if your name is unique to you I would definatley use an alias. But at the same time it's their site and their rules.
@lostandhurting
Exactly. It's just a matter of being mindful and careful when you're sharig so much of yourself and your life here.
Thank you for this reminder, Heather <3 This is very important c: