Reddit is a social networking and news platform where members share content, such as text posts or direct links. It functions as an online bulletin board, where different topics are organised as ‘sub-reddits’.
You can download Reddit as an app on a device or visit the website online.
The idea of Reddit is that the best content (or most popular) will make it to the front page of the platform.
Core Functions
- Post text, pictures, and links to various parts of Reddit dedicated to a specific topic, called a Sub-Reddit (e.g. r/politics).
- Comment, star, or vote on posts, with the most popular posts rising to the top of feeds.
- Send direct messages to other users.
- Use 'Start Chatting', which brings 5 random users from one sub-Reddit together in a chat where they can talk about mutual interests.
Age Restrictions
Reddit rules (Terms and Conditions of Service) require users be 13 or older to use the website, but users can enter a fake date of birth to bypass these requirements.
Risks
- Each subreddit has a set of moderators or 'mods' who enforce rules decided on by the creator or the subreddit community that use a 'sub'. This gives them control over the content that is posted.
- All content is user generated, so there is no way to be sure what might show up. This can include just about anything, although the platform does have staff moderators.
- Users can post links to other sites, which may include age-inappropriate material, viruses, or illegal content.
- Posts can be marked NSFW (Not Safe for Work) which means they are explicit, but might not always be marketed appropriately.
Safety Settings
- Change settings to ensure adult content does not appear in searches.
- Choose to include or avoid posts which are deemed NSFW.
Top Tips
- Avoid clicking on links to other sites.
- When using Reddit, respect people online and report offensive or inappropriate material to help make the platform more enjoyable for everyone.
If you do see something you think shouldn’t be on Reddit, you can report it. Click the button below to learn how to do this.