Safety Tips
Your safety is our priority. Here's how to stay safe while using Shyne to meet new people at real-world venues.
Online Safety
Keep personal details private
Your Shyne profile shows only your display name, a photo, and an intent tag. Never share your full name, home address, workplace, financial information, or phone number through a signal or in-session chat.
Use Shyne's in-app communication
If someone responds with "Message first," use the in-session chat to get to know them before deciding to meet. Avoid moving to external messaging platforms until you feel comfortable and have met in person.
Be cautious with your photo
Choose a profile photo that represents you but doesn't reveal identifying details like your home, car number plate, or workplace badge. Your photo is visible to everyone checked into the same venue.
Watch for red flags
Be wary of anyone who pressures you to share personal information quickly, asks for money, tries to move the conversation off Shyne immediately, or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way. Trust your instincts.
Report suspicious behaviour
If someone behaves inappropriately in chat or makes you uncomfortable, use the report button. Reports are reviewed by our moderation team and the person's ability to send signals is immediately suspended pending review.
Meeting In Person
You're already in a public place — use that
Shyne only works inside real venues. When you respond "Yes, come say hi," the meeting happens right there — in a bar, café, event, or social space surrounded by other people. Stay in the public area of the venue.
Tell a friend
Let someone you trust know which venue you're at and that you're meeting someone new. A quick text to a friend with the venue name and time is a simple safety net.
Stay sober and aware
Alcohol and other substances can impair your judgement. If you're using Shyne at a bar or nightlife venue, pace yourself and keep your wits about you when meeting someone for the first time.
Arrange your own transport
Always have your own way to get home. Don't accept a ride from someone you've just met. Use rideshare apps, public transport, or drive yourself.
Trust your gut
If something feels off about an interaction — in chat or in person — you are never obligated to continue. You can end a chat, walk away from a conversation, or leave the venue at any time. Your comfort and safety come first.
Consent & Boundaries
A signal is a question, not an entitlement
Sending a signal to someone means you're interested in saying hello — nothing more. The receiver has full control over what happens next. Respect every response, including "Not now."
"Not now" means not now
If someone declines your signal, you cannot re-signal them during the same venue session. This is enforced by Shyne's system. Do not attempt to approach someone who has declined your signal.
Respect the response menu
Shyne's structured response menu exists to give the receiver clear options. Whether they choose "Yes, come say hi," "Not now," "Maybe later," or "Message first," respect their choice fully.
Consent is ongoing
Even after a "Yes, come say hi" response, the other person can change their mind at any time. A conversation can end at any point. Read body language, listen to verbal cues, and never pressure anyone to continue an interaction they want to end.
Set your own boundaries
You are always in control. Use the visibility toggle to disappear from the venue view whenever you want. Block anyone who makes you uncomfortable. You don't owe anyone an explanation.
LGBTQ+ Safety
Shyne respects your identity
Shyne is designed for everyone. The signal system is identity-neutral — anyone can signal anyone. There are no gender-based restrictions on who can approach whom.
Be mindful of the venue context
While Shyne treats all users equally, real-world social contexts vary. Consider the venue environment and local culture when deciding how openly you want to express interest. Your safety always comes first.
Use the visibility toggle
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, toggle your visibility off instantly. No one will know you were checked in. This feature is designed for exactly these moments.
Report discrimination or harassment
Homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory behaviour of any kind violates Shyne's community guidelines. Report it immediately. We take these reports seriously and act swiftly.
Connect with inclusive venues
Shyne works at all types of venues. Look for venues that are known to be LGBTQ+-friendly spaces where you can feel safe and welcome using the app.
Reporting & Support
How to report someone
Tap the report button on any signal or chat interaction. Select a category that describes the issue and add an optional note. The reported person's ability to send signals is immediately suspended while our team reviews the case.
How to block someone
Tap the block button on any signal or chat screen. Blocking is instant — the person is blocked for the remainder of the venue session. If someone accumulates multiple blocks across sessions, our moderation team reviews their account.
The "I feel unsafe" button
If you feel genuinely unsafe at a venue, use the "I feel unsafe" button in the venue view. This sends a discreet alert to the venue operator (if registered) and flags the situation for immediate internal review.
What happens after a report
Every report is logged with a timestamp, the involved user IDs, and the context of the interaction. Our moderation team reviews reports and takes action ranging from warnings to permanent account suspension depending on the severity.
Contact us directly
If you need additional support or want to report something outside the app, reach out to us at support@shynesocial.com. We're here to help and take every concern seriously.