March 7: Age Categories!

CLARIFICATIONS / FAQ

What is the rationale for this? - This came from the suggestion box and forums, where MANY members and listeners have been requesting the ability to filter on age or have a space for older members/listeners to gather. While we firmly believe that your age does not impact your ability to be a good listener, nor do you need to have any particular experience to be supportive and helpful for someone going through something, many members feel more comfortable when they can connect to someone closer to their age. Additionally, some younger members may wish to get a perspective from someone a bit older, or vice versa, depending on what they are coming to talk about. No one will be limited in who they can talk to, but for those who are seeking a particular type of listener, they will have a bit more flexibility to search for one.

How did you decide on 35+ as the split point? - There were suggestions varying in what age range was preferred, from having several options by decade, to having 30+ or 50+, etc. Ultimately, the decision was made to begin with just one additional age range because the majority of listeners still sit within the 18-34 group and we didn't want to make any one group too small. While there's no 'perfect' place to make the split, 35 seemed to sit fairly close to what the majority of people requested. With time, if there is demand, these distinctions could be changed or more could be added, but we will begin with the 35+ as a starting point.

Won't this just segregate the community? - This change will not segregate listeners by age. Adults of any age can still mingle on the site all the same ways as usual (aside from access to the > 35 chat room), and that the selection of listeners by age is optional. In other words, people from the 18-34 group will still be able to chat with people from the 35+ group and vice versa. This merely adds one additional way to search for listeners, just like being able to search for listeners in a particular country does not limit you to speaking only with those in your country.

Am I now limited in which Group Support rooms I can be in? - This will not be locked to anyone, but is meant to be a space where those who are 35+ can meet and support each other if they are interested. They will still be welcome in all other rooms!

What if I have confidentiality concerns and don't want my age shared? - No birthdate information will be shared. Age ranges will not even appear on profiles. The only place this will be used is if you browse listeners for a particular age group, your results will filter to those folks. If you click on a profile you saw in the forums, group support, etc., there will be no information showing which age group they were in.

Can I opt out of this? - For those who do not feel comfortable being listed in an age specific browse listeners search, you can fill out this form to have your age set to NULL and not appear in those searches.

What if my birthdate is wrong on my account? - If your birthdate is incorrect and you need it adjusted, you can submit a support ticket here

Can we search by gender, too? - This is another request that is often submitted to the suggestion box. Gender is a more complicated piece, both because there are many gender identities and because revealing gender may open people up to increased harassment. There are also many reasons, however, why someone may want to speak with someone of a particular gender, for comfort, for a particular perspective, etc. We will continue to discuss how to make this possible eventually in a way that allows for the flexibility requested by those who want this, while protecting all members and listeners, allowing opt outs for those not comfortable, and being inclusive. So this will not be happening now, but it's still very much in consideration, once all the nuances can be worked out.

This is a great improvement. I am very happy to see this happening!

I personally would have included 4 categories at least. Teens, 20s, 30-40 and 45+ or something... But for now I believe it's okay! It's definitely something good to see. This is gonna make support chats improve I'm sure of it.

This is very cool! I know a lot of people have suggested something like this and I'm excited it's becoming a reality now.

This is fabulous!!! This can be so helpful to those who have age preferences when connecting to a listener for support.

Great updates! I am sure the new age categories are useful. Thanks!

Nice feature! Awesome news! Great work everyone who put this together!

@Laura

Laura thank you for the change, my only concern is when you seperate everyone what happens to our listeners or friends ???

That is a bit stressful and idk. Please can you share more here. Are having to say bye to our listeners or friends cause of age.....

I'm now in the super oldie crowd!!

@bunnyfrufru @Charli @Jadey1888 @TheArcticFox Go ahead and laugh =D

Thank you b/c I am on the coast to middle age lol!

Awesome!!!