Connecting with new people through video chat can be rewarding and enriching, but it's important to prioritize your safety. This guide covers essential practices to help you protect your privacy and wellbeing while enjoying meaningful conversations.
🔒 Protecting Your Personal Information
The information you share online can be used in ways you don't intend. Be thoughtful about what you reveal, especially in early conversations with people you don't know well.
✅ Safe to Share
- First name or nickname
- General location (city/region)
- Hobbies and interests
- Opinions on discussion topics
- General career field
❌ Keep Private
- Full name
- Home or work address
- Phone number
- Financial information
- Specific employer name
- Daily routine/schedule
💡 Trust is earned over time. It's okay to share more as you get to know someone, but you can never un-share information.
🚩 Recognizing Red Flags
Most people you meet online have good intentions, but it's important to recognize warning signs that someone may not be trustworthy.
⚠️ Watch Out For:
- Pressure to leave the platform: Requests to move to private messaging, email, or phone quickly
- Requests for money or financial help: No matter how convincing the story
- Inconsistent information: Stories that don't add up or change over time
- Refusal to video chat: Excuses for never showing their face
- Inappropriate content or requests: Sexual content, explicit requests, or pressure to share photos
- Love bombing: Excessive flattery or declarations of strong feelings very quickly
- Isolation attempts: Discouraging you from telling others about your conversations
🚪 Your Right to Leave
You are never obligated to continue a conversation that makes you uncomfortable. You don't owe anyone an explanation for leaving.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is
- Leave immediately: You can end any conversation at any time
- Use the block feature: Block users who make you uncomfortable
- Report concerning behavior: Help protect others by reporting
📵 Staying on Platform
ChatSpheres has safety features designed to protect you. When you move conversations off-platform, you lose these protections.
- Keep conversations within ChatSpheres until you've built trust over time
- Be skeptical of urgent requests to move to other platforms
- Remember that platform moderation helps keep you safe
- If you do share contact information, do so gradually
📸 Camera and Recording Awareness
- Be aware of your surroundings: Check what's visible in your camera frame (mail, photos, identifiable items)
- Know when recording is active: ChatSpheres notifies all participants when recording is enabled
- Never record without consent: It may be illegal and is always unethical
- Be cautious about screenshots: Assume anything on your screen could be captured
🆘 If Something Goes Wrong
If you encounter harassment, threats, or illegal behavior:
- Leave the conversation immediately
- Block the user to prevent further contact
- Report the incident to ChatSpheres with as much detail as possible
- Save evidence if you have screenshots or recordings
- Contact authorities if you're in immediate danger or witness illegal activity
🆘 In case of emergency, contact local authorities: 911 (US), 112 (EU), 999 (UK)
🧠 Mental Health Considerations
Online conversations can impact your mental wellbeing. Take care of yourself:
- Take breaks if you feel drained or overwhelmed
- Don't internalize negative interactions—they reflect on the other person, not you
- Limit conversations that leave you feeling worse than before
- Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed
Safe Conversations Start Here
ChatSpheres is committed to keeping you safe. Learn more about our safety features.
Visit Safety Center →