Discord's New "Ignore" Feature: Managing your Interactions
Discord has recently introduced a new feature called "Ignore," designed to give users more control over their interactions. This feature allows you to hide messages and notifications from specific users without them being aware, a key difference to the traditional block function.
What Is the Ignore Feature?
The Ignore feature enables you to:
Hide new messages from the ignored user in DMs where the messages will appear darkened with an icon next them.
Hide messages in group chats, and servers where they will appear as “ignored message” and you must click show to read them.
Receive a warning before viewing an ignored users profile or joining a voice or video call that includes someone you have ignored.
Unlike blocking, ignoring a user does not remove them from your friends list, and they can still see your profile and send you messages, which remain hidden unless you choose to view them. The ignored user is not notified of this action, allowing for a discreet way to manage your interactions.
How to Ignore a User on Discord
You can ignore a user through various methods:
From the User's Profile:
Desktop: Right-click the user's avatar, select "Ignore," and confirm.
Mobile: Tap the user's avatar, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, select "Ignore," and confirm.
In a Direct Message:
Desktop: Right-click the user's name in your DM list, select "Ignore," and confirm.
Mobile: Tap the user's name in your DMs, tap the three dots, select "Ignore," and confirm.
After Reporting a Message:
Desktop: Right-click the offending message, select "Report," and after submitting, choose "Ignore" from the menu.
Mobile: Long-press the message, tap "Report," and then select "Ignore" after submitting.
Additionally, if Discord detects a potentially unsafe message, teen users will see a Safety Alert and can choose to ignore the sender directly from the alert.
Managing Ignored Users
To view and manage your ignored users:
Desktop/Browser: Go to User Settings > Content & Social > Accounts you've blocked & ignored.
Mobile: Tap your avatar in the bottom-right corner, go to Settings > Content & Social, and find the Ignored Accounts list.
From these menus, you can unignore users if you decide to resume viewing their messages and notifications.
Why Use the Ignore Feature?
The Ignore feature provides a new way to manage your social interactions on Discord. It’s particularly useful when you want to take a break from someone's messages without the finality of blocking them. This can help maintain harmony in shared servers and group chats, as the ignored user remains unaware of your action, reducing potential conflicts or awkwardness.
Reducing Confrontation and Supporting Neurodivergent Users
For many users, social interactions—especially online—can sometimes be overwhelming. The Ignore feature offers an effective way to create boundaries without engaging in direct confrontation. This is particularly beneficial in situations where outright blocking someone might escalate tensions or cause unnecessary drama in shared communities.
For neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders, managing social interactions can be challenging. The ability to quietly ignore messages without cutting off communication entirely can provide a greater sense of control over their Discord experience. By minimizing overwhelming interactions, reducing unwanted distractions, and avoiding potential stressors, this feature can help create a more comfortable and manageable online space.
A Step Towards Safer, More Comfortable Interactions
The introduction of the Ignore feature is a significant step forward in Discord’s ongoing commitment to user safety and well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce digital noise, avoid confrontation, or simply take control of your communication experience, this tool ensures that you can navigate online spaces in a way that best suits your needs.
For more detailed information, check out Discord’s official support article on how to ignore users: Support Article
By utilizing the Ignore feature, you can tailor your Discord experience to better suit your personal preferences and comfort levels, ensuring a more enjoyable and controlled environment for communication.
