#public safety announcement!!

[nabhx]

got captured again 🙄🙄 these guys r lame fr

[officialnightwing]

#ShowUsYourHole

Do you have a hole that needs to be filled? The City of Gotham takes public safety very seriously, which is why we’re excited to launch our new #ShowUsYourHole public safety initiative.

To participate, simply send @darkknightofficial a picture of your hole, along with its location and the tagline:

“Come fill my hole”

Someone will be dispatched to service your hole in a prompt and professional manner. Your satisfaction is our priority.

[alvivaarts]

Internet Safety Tips for Folks Under 18! <3

I'm writing this because it was brought to my attention that at least one of my followers/readers is 11! Years! Old! How do I know this? Because they publicly announced it! AHH!!! OH NO!

This made me practically lose my mind, because holy shit, internet safety is NOT taught like it used to be!! Are there no more assemblies or class gatherings where you watch internet safety PSA videos anymore? Or learn about it in the library? Like shit!!! Anyway, here is, in the simplest terms, tips I learned when I was under 18 that have kept me not only alive, but thriving and happy on the internet.

What Information is Appropriate/Safe for Me to Share Online?

Very little! Very, VERY little! It would be easier if I told you what NOT to share online! DO NOT SHARE: -Your age/that you are a minor. -Your state, province, or country of origin. -When you are going to school/if you are starting school. -Establishments (restaurants, activity places, etc) that may or may not be in your local area. -Any medical diagnoses (mental or physical). -Any traumatic events or triggers. (We'll come back to this). -Any other details of your day-to-day schedule. -Details about your relationship with family members. -What you are/are not allowed to do. -Passwords or personal emails/phone numbers/contact points.

It's completely fine to share: -Your interests. -Fun anecdotes from your day. -Things you are excited about (not relating to your daily schedule). -What you're eating/drinking/making. -Etc.

I know it sounds cheesy, but you should make it your goal to be unidentifiable online. People do genuinely want to use this information, information about YOU for bad reasons. We already know that data brokers exist- and that there have been massive data leaks in the last few years regarding adults/18+ folks personal information. Those people usually have the agency and ability to reclaim some of that privacy and get their lives back on track. You don't. In addition to that, sharing little snippets of information about yourself from the 'do not share' category can build up over time. It might not feel like much at the time, but it can become pretty easy to identify you with even two or three of those pieces of information. We've seen no-profile having folks on TikTok be doxxed with less.

By that extent, I recommend minimizing the images you post of yourself online, especially if you cannot monitor/approve of who follows you. It can be equally as easy for strangers to figure out where you live based on images you share online, especially if those show your face and places your frequent. We can doubt that the GeoGeussr guy might not use his powers for evil, but plenty of other people absolutely can.

Who is Trustworthy Online?

Short Answer: NO ONE!

If someone you meet in a server says they're your age? No they're not! If someone says they want to be your friend and give you free things/games/etc? No they don't! If you think someone is safe enough to share something personal with online? No they're not! If someone randomly adds you for the purpose of making friends? They are not your friend! If someone says 'you're mature for your age'? No! You're! Not!

It's easy to form attachments to people online. It might be because everyone is 'anonymous' (which is also not true, no one is every truly anonymous online) that it's easier for you to imagine a stranger to be a certain way. Or you might look up to someone a lot because of the things they make or produce. These people, even if you get along with them or share interests with them, are not your friend- and will never be 100% trustworthy. (Of course, there are very rare acceptations- I don't want to be a hypocrite. Two of my very best friends are people I met online and have now met in person. When you become an adult and are able to more easily move around and escape situations -via transportation, access to your own money, not needing to rely on others/adults to assist you, then you can decide to proceed with relationships.)

Additionally, people online especially will never offer you something 'for free'. It will always have a cost- that might be your time, your personal information, or access to you via video or audio call or other personal things.

1- Never accept random phone, audio, or video calls on any social media platform. Do not accept random friend requests either. 2- It is absolutely okay to say 'no', to block people who you don't like or make you uncomfortable, even if those people get mad. Your safety comes before other people's happiness. 3- Never accept 'gifts' from online friends, especially if they are much older than you. 4- Do not click on random links sent by friends or shared on uncertified websites, especially download links. Even mod packs or pirated games can hide viruses, malware, or phishing links- things that can steal your personal information saved to your devices, or that can destroy your devices from the inside out. 5- If you feel uncomfortable or unsure of how to handle a situation, report and block the person involved, and/or contact a moderator, site-manager, or trusted IRL adult.

Online harassment and bullying is also quite scary. This can come in many forms: -People trying to steal information from you. -People shaming you for your appearance. -People shaming you for engaging in the things you enjoy. -People shaming, name calling, or ganging up on you to make fun of you. -Targeted crap-talking towards groups of people by other groups or individuals. -Being told to harm yourself, or that life would be better without you (not true!).

If this occurs to you, block and report the user/s. If you happen to know the person harassing and bullying yourself and others in real life, inform someone in real life as well. Make sure to take screen shots and save them! However, make sure you understand the difference between bullying and someone trying to correct bad behavior or help you. Both can feel very embarrassing at first, but most of the time, people trying to help improve online communities (and you!) will not be shameful, harassing, or bullying. It's okay to feel embarrassed for not understanding particular rules or community standards, but do not take that embarrassment out on others.

Managing Your Own Online Experience

This one might sting for some folks, especially adults who haven't learned it yet, but: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ONLINE EXPERIENCE!

We're circling back to telling people online what your traumas and triggers are. Of course, a lot of things happen offline. It can be frustrating to come online as an escape and find something that triggers you or reawakens trauma, or even things that simply discomfort you. When it comes to things that traumatize or trigger you, block the source: Block people who cross your boundaries. Report those who break site guidelines (not people who do things you don't like- who break site guidelines). Block pages that might show things that frighten you. Do not visit websites that are known for certain traumatizing/inappropriate content. Turn on SafeSearch features. You don't even have to inform these people- do not engage, just disconnect. It's not cringe to want to optimize your online experience for your own safety, happiness and comfort!

When it comes to things that make you uncomfortable: Understand the difference between things that are traumatizing/triggering, and things that make your unhappy/uncomfortable/that you personally dislike. There is a difference. While you absolutely should have a safe and comfortable online experience, it is not appropriate or safe to approach people telling them to change X Y Z thing about what they post, discuss, or share. It's not appropriate to threaten, harass, or shame others for engaging in content that you might not like personally, or even engaging versions/aspects of that media in a way you might not yourself. The easiest way to avoid it? Don't engage with it. The instant you start to comment and complain, you're potentially outing yourself as a minor, AND telling the website algorithm that you want to see MORE of this thing you dislike, simply by engaging with it. It's a double whammy. Remember that, while your happiness and safety comes first, that does not come at the expense of other's wellbeing or enjoyment, unless that wellbeing or enjoyment is an active risk of physical or genuine harm to you that you cannot otherwise block yourself.

Finally, keep in mind that Adult Spaces/18+ spaces ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR YOU, WITH YOU IN MIND, OR FOR YOUR BENEFIT! It might feel and sound very exciting and even satisfying to get into an adult space unnoticed. However, these spaces are not meant for you- they often do NOT have all of the same safety tools as other 'public' online spaces. You are also putting yourself and the adults in the community at risk: Adults who may engage with you as an adult, because it's an adult-only space, without knowing you're a minor- as well as potentially engaging with adults who won't care whether or not you're a minor. Be especially mindful if an adult has a DNI specific to minors: that person DOES NOT want to engage with you. You wouldn't want your boundaries crossed, right? Don't cross theirs!

Some general rules to monitor your own online experience: 1- Block any potential sources of trauma/triggers. However, do not report them unless the subject matter genuinely breaks website rules (these differ DRASTICALLY depending on the site. Understand them before making any reports). 2- Live and Let Die (or Ship and Let Ship). Especially in fandom spaces. It's okay for you to have a particular take on a media, character, or ship. It is not okay for you to demean or diminish others for engaging in that media, character, or ship differently than you would. It isn't a competition about who's 'right'. Just enjoy yourself! 3- Turn on SafeSearch and Private Account settings. This minimizes potential triggers/uncomfortable subject matter, and allows you to monitor who engages with your account. 4- Do not actively pursue 18+ spaces. You don't have to stay 'in the kids zone', but don't try to insert yourself in a place where you cannot control what you might encounter.

----

I think that's about it! I'm sure there'll be other folks with plenty more to add, but these are the basics. Keep them in mind and try not to let yourself learn the hard way like I (and many others) did that The Internet as not as safe and fun as you might think it is. Of course, it is- but it's also full of unfun, or even dangerous things and people. Take care of yourself!

[danneroni]

Save a life: bring NARCAN! ⛑️🕊️

[incorrect-hs-quotes]

Feferi: Tetanus fact: it's an old waves' tale that tetanus is caused by rusty metal. It's actually caused by pondcture wounds that are subsandtially D-E-EP-ER than they are wide, which introduce ubiquitous anaerobic spores (i.e. the "S-EADS" of single-celled organisms which cannaut grow if exposed to oxygen) into a warm, poorly-oxygenated space in the body. So reseaving shallow cuts from a rusty knife is not likely to give you tetanus but puncture wounds from clean but non-sterile objects can. This is GR-EAT N-EWS if you like receiving superfishial wounds from rusty knives and blades and swords all over your dumbass body 38D

Vriska: Stop calling them superficial. Allllllll my wounds are passion8 and meaningful >::::C

[scratchybongvt]

Public Safety Announcement regarding the mascotverse

Ever since oldeubagel left the mascotverse community, I never thought I’d meet another Portuguese fan—until Instagram recommended Rui Moura. Rui shares pictures of his mascot plushies he bought on eBay, making it clear he’s been a dedicated mascotverse enthusiast. Naturally, I reached out to him through DMs, but that’s when he hit me with a harsh truth: he’s no longer interested in the community.

Rui explained that he started the subreddit r/Olympicmascots, which might be one of the first mascot-related subreddits due to its “dull name,” hoping it would be a peaceful corner of the internet. Instead, he found himself embroiled in drama with other community members, leading to a traumatic experience that left him with a strong aversion to the mascotverse. He even begged me not to bring it up, which was tough—being an established mascotverse influencer, it’s my go-to topic. At first, I was confused since Rui’s Instagram still featured mascotverse posts. Then I noticed his most recent post was from two months ago, hinting that things likely went downhill from there.

If I had a nickel for every Portuguese fan who left the mascotverse because of toxicity, I’d have two nickels. Not a lot, but it’s odd that it’s happened twice.

With that in mind, I want to issue a call to action: Mascotverse youth, treat the Portuguese well.

If you meet someone openly Portuguese and interested in the mascotverse, welcome them with open arms. Do whatever you can to keep their experience positive and engaging. If you’re Portuguese, that’s even better—support each other! If drama erupts in the mascotverse, keep them away from it. If a Portuguese fan gets involved, you’ve failed. And if they’re leaving the community because they’re simply bored, let them go without interference (I’m looking at you, @elbene15). Pressuring them will only reduce their chances of returning.

The mascotverse isn’t always about bringing people together; it’s seen its fair share of conflicts, and frankly, we’re all tired of fighting—both in real life and online. John Lennon’s words, “War is over if you want it,” resonate here. But changing someone’s mind isn’t as simple as a quote. Casual opinions like “Why does everyone love Amik?” or “Should they be banned?” can spark unnecessary wars. We can’t stop these conflicts entirely because casual opinions are part of being human. However, we *can* shape the way people perceive the mascotverse. If we foster the image of a welcoming, friendly community, we’ll make fans happier, even if they choose to leave without drama.

Rui’s story should serve as a lesson: make Portuguese fans feel that the mascotverse is a safe and welcoming space. Otherwise, we’ll keep losing them. Mascots are meant to bring people together—and they always should.

[alitontress]

PSA

Recommendation my friend who is a CSI (crime scene investigator) gave me: for anyone who shares personal photos of the sunset where you are, your pet, yourself, where you hangout, your art/hobby, etc., please take a screenshot of the photo and only share the screenshot online. It will keep you safer in case some freak tries to track you through the metadata (even if you have location tracking for photos disabled). Stay safe everyone.

[curiositysavesthecat]

Additional comment from the submitter: ❝This poll is inspired by the fact that I donated $20 to a stranger’s vet bill for their sick cat, and found out later that it was very likely a scam (albeit a fairly convincing one). It wasn’t a lot of money, but it’s almost entirely put me off from donating, and I’m curious about other people’s experiences.❞

TAP HERE FOR SIGNS TO TELL IF THE PERSON ASKING FOR YOUR DONATION MIGHT BE A SCAMMER

*This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[embeddedweb]

Hello! PSA here!

Today I got hacked on my main, and I want to address my experience with this discord hacker

His name is Danny Duong, he works with other (presumably hacked) accounts, the other account warns you that they reported you by accident when another impersonated you, and tells you to add a discord user called dannysupport24, he sends you his "credentials" (pic below)

He tells you to change your email to a support email so he can help you, DO NOT DO IT! Discord will NEVER tell you to change your email under ANY circumstance!

After you do, you will get logged out of your account for good, leaving your account to hack more people, please, repost this as much as possible

Link from another experience below

UPDATE: Yes, he uses other hacked accounts to do it, and changes his username every time

[disasterhimbo]

Please stop filming protests, y’all. It sucks so bad that there’s usually at least one person filming at protests now, it puts us all in danger. Stop it.

[sleepy-cone]

Was tough there for a couple seconds 😔

But we made it 🫡

[littlescaryinternetguy]

Tinies don't like fireworks. Borrowers don't like fireworks. Fairies especially don't like fireworks. Imagine a bunch of nuclear bombs going off and going WHEEEE THIS IS LIKE FUN! This year instead of fireworks to celebrate the "4th of "4th of July" perhaps leave twenty dollar bills on top of your refrigerator. I'd appreciate it. I mean the tinies would appreciate it.

[metalheadsforblacklivesmatter]

Picnic service announcement.

If you are fat, and your tummy hangs over your pelvis. The correct way to wear a seat belt is by lifting your tummy, putting on the seat belt so the lower part goes over your pelvis bone and the upper part goes over your sternum. Then you can put your tummy down over the lower part of the belt.

The belt is designed to hold you in place, and therefore a lot of force is exerted on your body as it goes it's job. Your tummy has a lot of organs that aren't designed to withstand that kind of force. The bony parts of your body are designed to withstand that force. And the seat belt is designed with that in mind.

-fae

[unsolicitedadvicecatlady]

Six-axis model of influence

**WARNING** The following text is simply a tool. Like a hammer, it can be used to build something or break something. Like a scalpel, it can be used to save a life or end a life. The ethics in using the tool lies in the hands of the user. The manufacturer cannot assume responsibility for how the tool is used.

The Six-Axis Model of Influence:

The first four elements are leveraged to influence the "ancestor" within a person – the primal part of their brain that governs their actions and decisions: Focus, Authority, Tribe/Trauma, Emotion.

The first axis, focus, refers to the ability to prioritize and direct our attention. By understanding what truly matters to us and where we should invest our focus, we can effectively influence others.

The next axis is openness, which measures a person's willingness to be vulnerable. Building trust and creating allies requires a certain level of vulnerability, as it allows for genuine connections to be formed. By being open and honest with others, we invite them to do the same, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.

Connection, the third axis, measures the level of interpersonal connection a person feels. We are social beings by nature, and our connections with others play a significant role in our overall well-being. Building strong connections with those around us is crucial in creating lasting alliances built on trust and mutual understanding.

Expectancy, the fourth axis, refers to a person's belief that something positive will happen in the future. It is the hope and optimism that drives us to take action and pursue our goals. By instilling a sense of expectancy in others, we can motivate and inspire them to join us in our endeavors.

Compliance: Compliance refers to a person's willingness to respond to a direct command.

Suggestibility: Suggestibility measures their inclination to act on a suggested action. The lower a person is on Maslow's pyramid of needs, the more susceptible they are to suggestibility. There is no exception to that rule.

By understanding where someone falls on these axes, we can tailor our approach to effectively influence their behavior.

In conclusion, understanding human behavior and mastering the art of persuasion is an invaluable skill that can help us overcome our fears and insecurities. Six-Axis Model of Influence provides a comprehensive framework for building trust and creating allies.

By focusing on the key elements of focus, authority, trauma, and emotion, and considering the axes of openness, connection, expectancy, compliance, and suggestibility, we can navigate the intricacies of human behavior and forge strong alliances rooted in trust. So, let's embrace this knowledge and unlock our potential for personal development and growth.

[uchidachi]

I don’t know if it’s my recommended posts or what but I’m seeing a lot of cute cats (& dogs!) who love water lately and while swimming cats are adorable, I am begging you to please follow these safety rules:

In the bath, the water should not go past your pet’s belly! They should be wading in the water, not swimming. Even an animal that really enjoys the water can easily accidentally put their nose below the water line, and aspirate water.

If you take your cat or dog boating or swimming, they should have a life jacket at all times! There are the rare cats that do enjoy water activities, and many dogs do, but that does not mean they know their limits, and a tired pet can quickly become a drowned pet. Also even a slight current is a big deal for a small swimmer. Also the life jackets are so cuuute omg, there’s one with a shark fin even!