Community Guidelines

Welcome to Online Stranger

Online Stranger is designed to connect you with interesting people from around the world through anonymous, instant chat. Our community thrives on mutual respect, curiosity, and positive interactions. These guidelines help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Our Mission: To provide a platform where you can have genuine conversations with strangers while maintaining your privacy and safety.

1. Be Respectful and Kind

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Remember there's a real person on the other end of the conversation.

• Practice Empathy: Everyone comes from different backgrounds and perspectives. Be open-minded and considerate.
• Avoid Offensive Language: Refrain from using hateful, discriminatory, or excessively vulgar language.
• Respect Boundaries: If someone seems uncomfortable or asks you to change the topic, respect their wishes.
• End Gracefully: It's okay to end a conversation politely if it's not working for you. A simple "Nice chatting, take care!" goes a long way.

2. Protect Your Privacy and Safety

Staying safe online starts with you. Follow these best practices to protect yourself:

2.1. Never Share Personal Information

• What Not to Share: Full name, address, phone number, email, social media profiles, financial information, workplace, school name, or anything that could identify you offline.
• Photos and Videos: Be extremely cautious about sharing images. Once shared, you lose control over where they might end up.
• Links and External Sites: Avoid clicking suspicious links or being pressured to visit external websites.

2.2. Recognize Warning Signs

Be alert to suspicious behavior, such as:

• Someone pressuring you for personal information.
• Aggressive, manipulative, or threatening language.
• Requests for money, gift cards, or financial assistance.
• Attempts to move the conversation off the platform quickly.
• Behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

2.3. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, it probably is. End the conversation immediately and report the user. Your safety and comfort always come first.

2.4. Never Meet in Person

We strongly advise against meeting anyone you've only chatted with online. If you choose to meet someone despite this warning:

• Meet only in a busy, public place during daylight hours.
• Tell a trusted friend or family member where you're going.
• Arrange your own transportation.
• Never share your address or home location.

3. What We Don't Allow

To maintain a safe community, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate action:

3.1. Zero Tolerance Violations

These violations result in immediate permanent ban:

• Illegal Content: Sharing, requesting, or promoting any illegal material, including content involving minors, non-consensual material, or illegal substances.
• Child Safety: Communicating with or impersonating minors. If you encounter anyone under 18, report them immediately and do not engage.
• Explicit Sexual Content: Sharing sexually explicit material, soliciting sexual content, or engaging in unwanted sexual advances.
• Violence and Self-Harm: Sharing content that promotes, glorifies, or encourages violence, self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders.
• Threats and Doxxing: Making threats, sharing others' personal information without consent, or attempting to blackmail or extort users.
• Hacking and Malware: Attempting to gain unauthorized access to accounts, distributing malware, or attacking platform infrastructure.

3.2. Serious Violations

These may result in warnings or account suspension:

• Harassment: Bullying, hate speech, discrimination, or persistent unwanted contact.
• Spam and Advertising: Sending repetitive messages, unsolicited promotions, or using the platform for commercial purposes.
• Scams and Phishing: Attempting to deceive users, requesting money, or sharing malicious links.
• Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else or misrepresenting your identity, especially impersonating minors.
• Platform Abuse: Using bots, automated tools, or attempting to circumvent platform features.

4. Reporting and Enforcement

4.1. How to Report

If you encounter behavior that violates these guidelines:

• Use the Report Button: Every chat session has a report feature. Use it immediately if you encounter violations.
• Don't Respond to Violations: Avoid engaging with violators. Responding with your own violations can result in action against your access as well.
• Serious Concerns: For urgent safety issues, contact us directly at contact@onlinestranger.com.

4.2. Our Review Process

We take all reports seriously and review them promptly:

• Reports are reviewed by both automated systems and human moderators.
• We monitor reports continuously, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Multiple reports within a short time may trigger automatic temporary suspension while we investigate.
• Confirmed violations result in appropriate action, from warnings to permanent bans.
• Serious illegal activity may be reported to law enforcement authorities.

4.3. Appeals

If you believe enforcement action was taken in error, you may appeal by contacting us at contact@onlinestranger.com. Please note that appeals are only considered for actions we believe were mistakes, not for confirmed violations.

5. Tips for Positive Conversations

Make the most of your Online Stranger experience with these tips:

• Start with Common Interests: Ask about hobbies, favorite movies, books, or music to find common ground.
• Be Curious: Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in learning about others.
• Keep It Light Initially: Start with casual topics before diving into deeper conversations.
• Embrace Diversity: You'll meet people from all walks of life. Enjoy learning about different perspectives and cultures.
• Use the Skip Feature: It's perfectly fine to move on if a conversation isn't clicking. No hard feelings.
• Take Breaks: Be mindful of how online interactions affect your mood and wellbeing. Step away if you need to.

6. Mental Health and Wellbeing

Your mental health matters. Online interactions can be both positive and challenging:

• If conversations become overwhelming or distressing, take a break.
• If someone is in crisis or expressing thoughts of self-harm, encourage them to contact local emergency services or crisis hotlines.
• Remember that Online Stranger is not a substitute for professional mental health support.
• Be kind to yourself and others who may be going through difficult times.

7. For Parents and Guardians

Online Stranger is strictly for users 18 years and older. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in keeping minors safe online:

• Set Parental Controls: Use device-level parental controls to restrict access to age-inappropriate websites and apps.
• Monitor Online Activity: Stay aware of the websites and platforms your children access.
• Discuss Online Safety: Have regular conversations about internet safety, privacy, and why age restrictions exist.
• Create Open Dialogue: Encourage your children to talk to you about their online experiences, both positive and concerning.

8. Building a Better Community Together

Most people on Online Stranger are friendly and respectful. While we work hard to maintain a safe environment through automated systems and moderation, we can't monitor every conversation in real time. That's why your participation in upholding these guidelines is essential.

By following these guidelines and reporting violations, you help create a welcoming community where everyone can enjoy meaningful conversations safely and anonymously.

Questions or Concerns? If you have feedback about these guidelines or need assistance, contact us at contact@onlinestranger.com.

Thank you for being part of the Online Stranger community and helping us maintain a respectful, safe space for anonymous conversations.