Chat policy

Chat is a popular and important part of the CouchSurfing community - a live forum for CouchSurfers from various cultures to ask questions and share their lives with one another. This is the perfect place to meet many different types of people - great friendships have begun in chat!

There is much to learn from people virtually as well as in person. In keeping with the spirit of CouchSurfing, chat is a tool to increase understanding and tolerance, and it is often the first act of participation for new members on CouchSurfing, especially the main lounge. We simply ask that a certain level of etiquette is maintained in the main lounge. For further conversations, private chat rooms can be used amongst friends who wish to have discussions that may not be appropriate for the main lounge.

Things to keep in mind

• Language and cultural differences: Words can be interpreted differently, so be sensitive to how you understand and are understood by other members. For instance, a word can be accidentally misused or used out of context. Be aware that this can happen when we chat in a multi-cultural forum.
• Sexual suggestion: CouchSurfing is not a dating site. We do not tolerate members using CouchSurfing to find romance or sexual relationships, and we do not accept comments of a sexual nature, in the general chat, nor in private messages. It is not appreciated by our members and may be considered harassment.
• Spamming: Do not paste large amounts of texts into the main lounge. This is a chat room for direct communication. If you have a lot of information to share, please use the groups or meetings functions.
• Swearing: Some may not be bothered by swearing, while others might be offended by it. Please do not swear or imply swearing by choice spelling 'errors'. We encourage members to err on the side of consideration and refrain from swearing.
• Enjoy Yourself! There are many friendly and welcoming folks in chat. Use the facility to meet other people and make friends. You never know - you might find yourself traveling to somewhere you never thought possible to go and meet your CS buddies!

Final Words

We encourage CouchSurfers to try to work out disputes or misunderstandings amongst themselves and to try to learn from one another. However, we do respond to complaints regarding CouchSurfers misuse of the chat rooms when they are in violation of basic guidelines discussed here and/or CouchSurfing Terms of Use. These points have all come out of the CouchSurfing community, although If you have any further suggestions on improving chat and making it more friendly, please feel free to start discussion in the group QUANTITY VS QUALITY....IMPROVING CS THROUGH YOUR SUGGESTION.