If you have a gamer in your life, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Discord. But, Discord isn’t just for gamers anymore — it’s now used for all sorts of communities as a way to get together to discuss special hobbies, interact with brands, or even plan IRL (in real life) events. While that all sounds great, it is fair to wonder if it’s safe. Let’s take a look!
What is Discord?
In its simplest form, Discord is a free communications platform that enables people to create/join servers that allow them to communicate via text, voice, and video (via camera and screensharing). It’s primarily used through the desktop and mobile apps, but it can also be used directly in web browsers as well.
What makes Discord one of the most used services on the internet (with roughly 30 million daily users) is that the platform is organized around communities and interests. Anyone can create a custom server (or multiple), and each server can be set up to be as public or as private as the admin wants. This has allowed the platform to become a home for online social clubs — ranging from small invite-only spaces for friends, all the way to massive public communities for specific games, hobbies, and interests.
For example, if you love a certain sports team, there is likely a dedicated Discord for that team where fans can gather to share news and have discussions. Part of what makes it different from old-school forums is that there’s typically a sub-structure of “channels” within the server (more on that in the next section) where you can go for more tailored information (i.e., one channel to discuss trade rumors, another to discuss a live game, and another for general discussion).
Discord Features
If you’re new to Discord and boot up the app, there’s a good chance you’ll feel a bit overwhelmed. To help ease that feeling, all you need is a basic understanding of the primary features and terms you’ll find in Discord.
- Servers. Overarching servers that users can create or join.
- Channels. Channel categories make up the sub-structure of servers. For example, within a server, you’ll often find a voice/video channel where up to 99 people can voice chat, participate in video calls, or watch a shared stream. You’ll also often find a general chat channel for miscellaneous text chat, as well as a few more specialized channels, like FAQs or support on branded Discord servers.
- Permissions. Server admins can create different permission levels for members within a specific server. For more popular servers, this usually limits who can post in certain channels, and also the type of content they can post (i.e., new members cannot post links or videos).
- Discord Moderator (aka Mod). Mods are users who have been granted administrative controls to help manage and maintain a server’s members, content, and rules.
- Direct Messages (DMs). Private one-on-one conversations (or group DMs for up to 25 people) that also have voice, video, and screen sharing options.
- Nitro. Discord’s premium subscription, which offers some enhanced features like upgraded video streaming quality, larger file uploads, and increased cosmetic customizability.
Is Discord Safe?
Part of what has allowed Discord to become so popular is the fact that, generally speaking, it is very safe to use…but there can still be some risks if you aren’t careful.
Discord Scams
At this point, it shouldn’t surprise anyone when scammers pop up around a popular platform. These scammers are the primary “danger” you should watch out for when using Discord.
- Phishing Links. Because many Discords are essentially forums for people with shared interests, it’s not uncommon for channels to be filled with helpful links. Unfortunately, that creates a perfect environment for scammers to post malicious phishing links disguised as something helpful. If you’re on a large Discord channel with open posting permissions, don’t click on links from unknown senders.
- Quishing. Occasionally, you’ll come across a QR code posted in a channel. Unless you are 100% confident in the legitimacy of that QR code, don’t scan it. Quishing links are the same type of scam links as phishing, but in QR code form.
- Malicious programs. Some Discord servers provide niche communities around all sorts of tech. In some cases, this includes the sharing of open-source software that can help solve specific problems or provide useful tools. In order to avoid accidentally downloading malware, be very careful downloading anything from a Discord server. There’s no 100% safe way to navigate these channels, but typically, you can find moderator-approved posts that signal something should be safe.
- Catfishing. With more and more dating origin stories coming from online encounters, it’s no surprise that there are a number of dating-focused Discord channels. This varies from servers that focus on fully online dating to more localized meetups. Either way (but especially so with the e-dating servers), catfishing can be a big problem. While these servers can be a fine place to meet someone, it doesn’t hurt to run a Spokeo search before sending any gifts or sharing private information.
Discord FAQs
Still have questions about Discord and how to stay safe on the platform? We have answers.
What is Discord used for?
Originally, Discord gained popularity as a way for gamers to talk while playing games. Today, Discord is used for a variety of purposes, including special interest forums, brand communication, dating, and even local events.
Does Discord have safety features?
Discord has a number of customizable safety features that can restrict what kind of content you see, what servers you can join, and who can contact you. For more information, check out their Safety Center.
How can I tell if someone on Discord is real, a scammer, or a bot?
Because Discord has grown into a platform for all types of interactions, including dating, you’ll want to be cautious when interacting with new people on Discord. If you plan on having ongoing interactions with a certain person, run a Spokeo people search with the information they give you before sharing information about yourself.
Cyrus Grant is a writer from Southern California with a background in law and dispute resolution. When he isn’t writing, he can be found deep-diving into the latest technology trends or simply spending time at the beach.