The Offsite Contact Rule and How It Protects You
Hi, everybody!
Some folks have asked why we enforce zero tolerance when it comes to offsite contact.
The offsite contact rule is simple: you're not permitted to ask for or share personal contact information with anyone you meet on 7 Cups. This includes social media handles, phone numbers, email addresses, or any other way for someone to contact you outside of the site.
I know it can be tempting to connect with people you've bonded with outside of the platform, and you may think it's a pretty trivial thing, but it's crucial to understand why the rule is in place and why it's so vital for our community's safety.
‼️ The main reason for this rule is to protect our community members. 7 Cups is designed to be a safe, anonymous space where you can share and receive support without fear of judgment, harassment, or having your personal information compromised. Once you take a conversation offsite, that safety net disappears.
‼️ 7 Cups provides a level of anonymity that allows people to be vulnerable and open up. We don't really know who is on the other side of the screen. No matter how much you think you know or trust someone, sharing personal information can expose you to real-world dangers that the platform can't protect you from.
I consider our platform a sanctuary, a place where the focus is on emotional support. When offsite contact occurs, it can lead to complicated relationships, gossip, and conflicts that can spill back onto the site and disrupt the supportive environment we've all worked so hard to create.
‼️ The moment you move your conversations off 7 Cups, the platform has no way of helping you if something goes wrong. Our community guidelines, reporting tools, and staff can't intervene in offsite interactions.
‼️ This rule is especially critical for protecting younger users and those who are in a vulnerable state. It helps prevent things like "catfishing" (someone pretending to be someone they're not) or a user with harmful intentions from targeting someone they've connected with.
I know it can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you've made a genuine connection with someone. But please remember that this rule is for everyone's benefit. It’s a collective effort to maintain the integrity and safety of this community.
Let's all do our part to respect the guidelines and keep this a safe space for everyone who needs it.
If you're not convinced, I recommend reading this real user cautionary tale:
My Experiences with Offsite Contact
@Heather225
Also.... if you happen to talk to people about 7cups, either on social media or to people who are around you, do not give away your username. You run the risk of being trolled.
@Heather225
thats so important and very good rules as well
For me, the anonymity of this site is an amazing gift that I would never willingly give away. No where else can I share who I am with 100%certainty that it will have no effect on my real life, unless I allow it to (I hope things I learn might transfer to my real life!). No where else can give you that freedom.
It's so invaluable to me, that sometimes I can't understand why others don't see it. But I have to remember, everyone has their own path, has to make their own choices. And I know myself, how strong that drive to have a personal connection can be. So, while it's great advice, I guess it's not surprising that it keeps happening .
@Clio9876
Absolutely! I totally agree with you.
You've put it so well..👍
If you feel like you have made real connection, you can continue to chat right here on 7 Cups. You can set up regular times to meet or leave messages for each other. Safety is most important.
Yep! Get along with someone well? Make a penpal chat! Sooooo much safer and it’s fun! <3
@Heather225
Thank you so much for this reminded 😊 😊
Excellent explanation. Unfortunately, a few users might still fall in the trap 7cups is trying so hard to stop them from falling into.
@EternalBliss1
It's so true
@EternalBliss1
Thankfully, you can report any violations of our Community Guidelines through our Helpdesk (here).
@Heather225
Of course. I was referring to a situation where it's done with mutual consent.
@Heather225
Thanks for sharing 😊
Very much useful information.
@Heather225 This is very important, thank you for sharing! <3
@fossilfellow
💜
@Heather225
Sadly we have to keep this in mind because alot of people who come here dont come with good intentions 💜
@Amanda84
❤️
@Amanda84
Fortunately, we can report any violations of our Community Guidelines through our Helpdesk (here) and address this behavior efficiently to keep our platform safe <3
@Heather225
Thank you for the link 🩷
