CONVERSATION GUIDE
Talking to Strangers Online: A Practical Safety Guide
Meeting someone new can be enjoyable. Keep control of what you share, respect the other person’s boundaries and know when to end a conversation.
Keep identifying details to yourself
Use a display name and be cautious about revealing your home address, workplace, daily route or personal contact details. Avoid photos that reveal documents, addresses or other people without their permission.
TalkSpace uses phone sign-in; your phone number is not shared with community connections. This does not make everything you say anonymous, and another person may still capture what you share.
Choose boundaries before the call
Decide which topics you want to discuss and which you would rather avoid. You can change your mind during a call. Consent to a conversation is not consent to sexual remarks, pressure or sharing private images.
If you feel uncomfortable, end the call. You do not owe a stranger an explanation or a second conversation.
Do not send money or account credentials
A stranger asking for money, an OTP, a password or a private payment screenshot is a reason to stop. Do not install software or open unexpected links at their request.
Pay for TalkSpace plans only through the website’s stated payment process. Do not send plan payments to another user you meet in a random call.
Use the available reporting and connection controls
You can leave and report a community conversation. You can remove a saved connection to stop further messages and call invitations through that connection.
A report is not a promise of an immediate response. For immediate danger or an emergency, contact local emergency services; random chats and paid listening sessions are not emergency services.
Take your time before meeting offline
An enjoyable online call does not establish someone’s identity or intentions. If you choose to meet, arrange a public place, tell someone you trust and keep your own transport options. Avoid sharing your home location.
A friendly conversation can remain just that. Staying in touch should be a mutual choice, without pressure.