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