Allow members to message each other.
Hi I think this would be good to a lot of members on here, Iv made a few friends on the depression chat but its impossible to stay in touch with one another and support one another or have private conversations, Iv spoke to a lot of others about this and they feel the same way, please consider it at least.
Thank you.
This is something that gets talked about from time to time and I definitely see the need to find a way for members to connect!
The problem with letting members private message one another is that it can open the door to bullying and abuse. Right now listeners cannot message members first, and have to wait for the member to message them. This is to ensure that members have layers of protection on 7 Cups.
It can be had to implement this same sort of protection if members are allowed to reach out to fellow members. :(
@AdVictoriam I'm sure if members are getting bullied through private messages there should be a way to block report the bully's so that shouldnt be a problem, I think the sites designed so members cant really connect on here because you dont want it to become a social network?
It used to be that listeners can contact each other offsite and share contact info. The reason this was disallowed is because of drama. I wasn't here at the time, so someone may have more insight on this.
Right now listeners are already susceptible to abuse from members/guests, including harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation. By opening up member-member communication, this sort of abuse can spread to the members side. The problem here is many members who come here are seeking mental and emotional support and allowing them to be abused is antithetical to the 7 Cups mission :(
It's not a perfect system, and I do hope one day that we can create social support networks on here! :) As of right now due to the anonymity I'm wary about allowing this sort of proposal though
@placidHemlock53021 Yes we definitely need this!!
@placidHemlock53021
I want to second that suggestion. I am very intorverted and feel uncomforable with group chat format. It also seems one-sided to dump on a listener. It would feel more like a friendship to lean on each other. I think it would be great if members could chat one on one .
@partlysunny I AGREEEE