While using the social media platforms, you might have seen the message DM me in the posts or comments section. At that time, you might be wondering: What is DM? It’s not any code; it’s the Direct Message service offered by different digital platforms to let people have one-on-one conversations.
For a deep understanding, keep reading this blog. Here we’ll discuss in detail what Dm is on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and share step-by-step instructions. We’ll also talk about risks associated with the use of DM and offer effective tips for safe interactions online.
What is DM?
Direct messages (DMs) are a private form of communication between users on different social media platforms. Originally, direct messaging gained popularity via the Twitter launch, providing users with one-on-one communication instead of interacting just through public tweets.
It’s worth noting that DM service usually works like a text or email; however, it remains within the app. Thereby, it’s visible only to the users involved in the conversation. Most platforms actually let you send rich material in a DM. For instance, you may send pictures, short videos, voice messages, GIFs, stickers, and URLs to make the communication more interactive.
Although DM is considered more private than public posts, platforms have their own rules regarding who can DM whom. For instance
- Instagram allows you to DM a maximum of 15 users at a time.
- Facebook allows users to DM a brand only after they have “liked” the brand’s page.
- Twitter requires users to follow each other before sending DM & you can DM up to 50 users at one time.
According to the Statista survey report, about 94.5 % of the global internet audience used online chat/messaging services. This data highlights how common private messaging (DM) has become worldwide.
It’s time to set up safety alarms for your children.
Why do people use DMs?
Hopefully, now your question about what a DM is will be a bit clearer. For better understanding, below are some reasons helping you know why most people prefer using the DM feature across different social media platforms!
- Private and one-on-one conversations: Many people use the DM because it allows them to freely express their feelings and opinions in private settings without fear of public reactions.
- Sharing sensitive or personal information: Sometimes you want to share confidential details like your personal phone number, home address, etc which isn’t publicly visible. This way, using DM service reduces the risk of oversharing and helps maintain personal boundaries.
- Building connections and networking: In addition to the above, direct messaging is indeed a powerful tool in professional networking and collaboration. For instance, businesses use to directly connect with customers, answer their queries, and provide them support in real time without airing issues publicly.
Similarly, classmates or colleagues use DM to comfortably discuss projects, explore opportunities, or ask for information in a more personal way.
How to send a DM: A step-by-step guide
Whether you want to interact with a friend, a brand, colleague, knowing how to send a DM across social media matters a lot. To help you with this, we’re sharing a detailed step-by-step tutorial to help you send DMs on popular social channels like Instagram and Twitter.
Steps to send DM on Instagram
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your phone. Now you’ll look in the upper-right area of the screen and tap on the chat bubble icon to open your inbox.
Instagram will usually load onto the home page when you first open the app. However, if that’s not the case, first tap the house-shaped icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Next, go for the new message icon (pencil &piece of paper) in the top right. However, if you already have a conversation going, you can tap the recipient’s name in your inbox to open the chat.
Step 3: Now in the new chat, you’ll select the contacts from the list of suggestions, or otherwise type someone’s username into the “Search” bar. Keep in mind that if you send a direct message to people who don’t follow you, your chat may go to a “Message Requests” folder, and they may not see it in their main inbox.
Step 4: Once you select the desired contact, tap on the text field at the bottom of the screen and start writing out what you want to say.
- To send a photo instead, tap the photo icon to the right of the text field and select one now.
- To record a voice message, tap and hold the microphone. When you lift your finger, the message will automatically send.
- To send a sticker or a GIF, tap the Sticker icon on the far right of the text field.
Steps to send DM on Twitter
Step 1: Open the Twitter app and tap the letter icon on the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. If you’re on a desktop, select the “Messages” tab below “Notifications” on the left of your screen.
Step 2: Select the New message icon, typically a blue-and-white envelope.
Step 3: Now you can search for users by their Twitter @handle or name.
Step 4: Type and send your message. If your DMs are open or you’re mutuals, they can see the message without accepting it.
Step 5: That’s it! If your recipient has read receipts enabled, you’ll be able to see whether or not they’ve read your messages.
Risks associated with DMs
DMs offer a convenient way to share opinions and thoughts online with people far away. At the same time, it raises many risks, especially for teens. Let’s have a look at them!
Cyberbullying and harassment
It is more likely that unknown individuals added to your social media contacts may DM you with hurtful, threatening, or aggressive messages.
According to a cyberbullying research centre, 38 % of teens reported receiving threatening texts, and many also experienced harassment related to identity, race, or religion. Being targeted through harmful DMs can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other negative emotional outcomes.
Unsolicited or inappropriate content
In addition, teens can receive explicit images, videos, or messages through DMs without warning. You know that exposure to such inappropriate content at an early age exploits the mind and negatively impacts their overall personality. A report published in Internet Safety 101 has revealed that almost 59 % of young people reported online sexual interaction often via social platforms used privately.
Privacy violations and data misuse
Someone might DM you links that appear to be from a trusted source, and clicking them can lead to data theft, malware installation, or phishing attacks. Likewise, sharing personal information or media through DMs with untrusted users can lead to blackmail. Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious about every message you open or respond to.
How to use DMs safely?
Given the above privacy and safety concerns, you may be wondering whether it is safe to use the DM service. You don’t need to worry; below are practical tips that can help ensure safe digital conversations.
Adjust privacy settings
On social media, your primary goal is to build connections, right? It’s not clear whether the person you are adding as a friend is trusted.
Fortunately, digital platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter offer privacy features that let users control who can DM them. For instance, you can limit messages to friends, followers, or approved contacts and even filter requests from unknown users. Thereby helping you maintain a safer messaging environment.
Recognize red flags in conversations
Similarly, if you receive any DM from an unknown user online, watch out for some red flags. For instance, check whether they’re asking for sensitive info or sending explicit content. Furthermore, if an unknown person DMs you a suspicious link, be cautious and do not reply.
Set boundaries for communication
It’s always a good practice to have clear rules regarding your digital interactions. You have to decide in advance with whom you’ll communicate and for how long. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the blocking, reporting, and muting features to protect your account from unwanted connections.
Parental control and DM safety for kids
In today’s digital world, kids often make use of social media at an early age, making parental guidance essential for a safe digital experience. Keep in mind that receive unknown message is worrying for an adult, when it’s a child, infinitely more so.
However, simply watching children fall victim to scams isn’t acceptable, as it can lead to serious consequences. Being a parent, you have to be proactive. To help, here are some effective tips to reduce risks from unsafe DMs on social media.
Encourage open communication
Spend time with your kids and openly talk to them about the online risks regarding unknown messages. Keep in mind that awareness is the first line of defense; if they know what to watch out for, they are less likely to fall victim.
Teach them safe digital practices
Make your kids one thing very clear: Never trust or respond to unknown messages, even if the text seems friendly. Tell your kids never click on any unknown link received via text.
Make your kids one thing very clear
Never trust or respond to unknown messages, even if the text seems friendly. Besides this, you have to show your child that if they receive spam messages, they can restrict them just by clicking the number and selecting block or report.
Use of parental controls
While communication may be effective for awareness, you must implement practical measures to ensure peace of mind. You may consider using the built-in parental controls, but they wouldn’t offer real-time watching. That’s why it’s best to deploy the FlashGet Kids parental control app because it combines a lot of features that keep you updated about your kids’ interactions in real-time.
Conclusion
From the discussion above, you will receive a clear, detailed answer on what a DM message is, addressing all your queries, including those related to safety. While the DM offers a private way to communicate online, the risk of interactions with strangers raises concerns, especially for teens. For parents, it’s advisable to guide their kids on safe digital habits and to use the FlashGet Kids parental control tool for enhanced digital protection.
