[TEENS] I shouldn't go off-site with other users because...

@Heather225

I don't know the individual behind the username. What if they kidnap me? WHat if they try to take advantage of me and hurt me? What if the post my personal information online for other to see? Endless consequences. It's a bad idea.

You may feel close with someone, but that could just be a front. Always be cautious! Stay safe! But also, don't isolate yourself!

I shouldn't go off-site with other users because... it's the rules and 7cups can only protect you on the site but can't help you if you go offsites

@Heather225 You never know whos behind the account. it could be someone who is a predator and could potentially put you at risk or in danger. Its a rule you should follow with any type of social media too! never give out personal information! while looking out for others you have to look out for yourself as well!

Great responses so far, everyone! Let's hear some more!

@Heather225

I shouldn't go off-site with other users because...

It is too easy for people to be lying about who they are or what their intentions are in receiving this information. This is an anonymous site and most of the time nobody checks to see who is really on an account or if anyone has told the truth unless someone is given a reason to look into it. Especially in the group rooms we never know who is lurking and someone you may want to have that information that you trust might not be the only one in the room even if it looks dead. There are people who can and will use your information to get to you. We are protected by the admin and the safety coordinators here but the second we go offsite they have no control and they can't help if something happens because you went offsite. I don't know about anyone else here but I came here and stayed a listener here on 7 Cups because when something happens, there is always someone there for me. On every other site, nobody has cared. The purpose of this site is to get anonymous support in what you are dealing with and the site gives the resources to do so.

I shouldn't go off-site with other users because even if I believe to have a strong connection with them, people come to this site in search of support. It is easy to pretend and cover up struggles, and it may be even harder to handle them than people let on. Meeting people in-person can be dangerous to us because we don't know the entirety of their past, they could be anyone doing anything, and they could have negative intentions even if we don't believe they do. It is best to stay on-site and only on 7Cups because you aren't exposing yourself to anything dangerous or bad that could potentially happen. 7Cups has rules and ways to protect their users and other offhand social media sites may not.

- Because we never know who is on the other side of a screen

- Because 7 Cups cannot protect us if something goes wrong

- Because it compromises our safety

@Heather225 going off site seems simple enough like on Facebook but beware. Some people have threatened people with black mail if they did not pay them $300 or they would contact your family and tell them secrets you told them.

It seems far-fetched but how do we know who is out to hurt us. There are so many bad actors and we just do not know until it is too late.

Another reason is I love 7cups and the projects I work on and I do not want to risk a suspension and lose all that for a long time or possibly forever.

@Heather225, your safety and personal information can be compromised. Importantly, as many others mentioned, you never know whos hiding behind a text, email, photo...If you disagree, take a look at the show Catfish, it will better explain.

I don't know who the other person is nor do I know what they're capable of.