discordAug 26, 2025

Starting Your First Discord Server (opens in new tab)

Discord servers provide a single, organized space for friends to chat, play games, and discuss shared interests instead of splitting conversations across multiple group DMs. The post explains how to create a server, invite friends, and use text and voice channels. Its central recommendation is to create a server when a group needs a persistent, flexible home for communication. ## What a Discord Server Is - A server is an organized online space where friends can gather. - It can support gaming, casual conversation, hobbies, and shared media discussions. - Unlike temporary group DMs, a server keeps everyone and their conversations together. ## Creating a Server - Download Discord from [discord.com/download](https://discord.com/download), use the web app at [discord.com/login](https://discord.com/login), or create an account at [discord.com/register](https://discord.com/register). - Click the circular **+** button on the left side of the app. - Choose a server template, such as **Gaming**, which automatically creates relevant channels. - Give the server a name and optionally choose an icon. - The server name and icon can be changed later. ## Inviting Friends - New servers display an **Invite Your Friends** button. - Invitations can be sent directly to Discord friends or shared as an invite link. - If the button is no longer visible, click the server name and select **Invite People**. - Once shared, the server becomes a central gathering place for the group. ## Text Channels - Text channels work like persistent group chats. - Members can send messages, photos, files, and links. - Typing `@` followed by a username notifies a specific person. - By default, everyone in the server can view and post in a newly created text channel. - Separate channels prevent unrelated conversations from becoming mixed together. ## Voice Channels - Voice channels let members join an ongoing audio conversation without triggering a loud incoming-call ringtone. - Users can enter or leave freely, similar to walking into or out of a room. - Voice channels support unlimited participants for voice-only calls and up to 25 people in video calls. - Members can use cameras, stream games, and share their screens. - Each voice channel also includes a small text space for posting messages, memes, or links relevant to that conversation. A Discord server is a practical upgrade from scattered group chats: create one, customize its channels, and invite friends so conversations and activities can stay organized in one persistent space.

online-communitiesdiscordvoice-chatscreen-sharing+2

discordFeb 26, 2025

Mental Health & Discord: Promoting Well-Being All Year Long (opens in new tab)

Discord’s Mental Health team describes its efforts to make the platform safer, more user-controlled, and better connected to mental-health support. The company highlights new research, crisis-resource partnerships, and initiatives exploring how gaming can support social connection and well-being. It concludes that Discord intends to use these findings to improve product design, policies, and partnerships. ## Discord’s Approach to Well-Being - Discord aims to provide a safe, welcoming place for people to connect around shared interests and gaming. - The platform emphasizes user control, allowing people to choose who they interact with and which communities they join. - Discord says it is not designed primarily to maximize engagement, but to support real-time interaction among friends. - The company plans to continue refining its products and safety efforts to better support users. ## Research on Users’ Mental Health - Over five months, Discord worked with research organization BSG to study users’ mental-health perceptions and the platform features that affect well-being. - The research included more than 1,200 participants aged 13 and older in the United States, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. - Participants generally viewed online gaming and social media as distinct, with gaming considered more positive for mental health. - Online gaming was the most frequently selected activity for supporting well-being, followed by exercise, in-person relationships, creative activities, and online connections with family and friends. - Users identified moderators, blocking, muting, and reporting as Discord features that support their mental health. - Participants expressed interest in more proactive mental-health tools and believed Discord cares about user well-being, while also acknowledging that more work is needed. - Discord intends to apply the findings to its policies, product development, and future partnerships. ## Crisis and Mental-Health Resources - Discord partnered with ThroughLine Care, a global network of vetted helplines. - At **discord.findahelpline.com**, users can find free, confidential support in more than 100 countries. - The directory supports chat, text, and phone services in 11 languages and provides topic filters, operating hours, and contact details. - In the United States, users can text **DISCORD** to **741741** to reach Crisis Text Line, a free, confidential, 24/7 service available in English and Spanish. - Discord defines a crisis broadly to include stress, anxiety, school difficulties, relationship problems, and other situations—not only life-threatening emergencies. ## Gaming and Mental Health - Discord cites industry research suggesting that gaming can improve mood, foster community, provide healthy outlets, and help people through difficult periods. - The company sponsored Safe In Our World’s inaugural Mental Health Game Dev Champions event. - The event supports developers and gamers creating personal games based on lived experiences with mental health. - Discord planned to host a master class on building healthy communities in Safe In Our World’s Discord server on October 17, 2024. - The post also highlights Hero Journey Club, which uses games such as *Stardew Valley*, *Animal Crossing*, and *Final Fantasy* to facilitate emotional support and track feelings. - Discord partnered with Xbox Game Studios’ *Gears of War* on the “Never Fight Alone” suicide-prevention initiative, raising funds for Crisis Text Line and Aqui Estoy Chat. Discord’s overall recommendation is to treat gaming communities as potential sources of connection while continuing to provide accessible, confidential professional support. Its research and partnerships are intended to make mental-health assistance a more integrated part of the Discord experience.

online-communitiesdiscordgamingcontent-moderation+2