What is sliding into DMs, Digital times have brought social media into the core of life. How we connect with each other, communicate, and sometimes even date has become associated with social media. Thus the nuances of this new interplay landscape need to be expressed. Hence some colloquial terms have come along. One such phrase that gained much popularity is “sliding into a DM”. Perhaps you heard the term and wondered what it is,
why everyone is suddenly talking about it, and if there is a proper way to slide into someone’s DMs.
Let’s break it all down in this comprehensive guide on one of the most-talked-about moves online today.
Definition of “Sliding in DMs”.
The term “sliding into DMs” describes when one sends a direct message to another person via any social media platform such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
This term indicates some subtlety or tenderness because the initiator may be starting a conversation with someone whom he or she is not well known to. In other words, it can be a friend of a friend, a lover, or even a celebrity.
This could be motivation to form a new friendship or professional connection or even romantic or flirtation interest.
Traditionally, the first move had been made in person or over the telephone but lately, slipping into DMs has been the digital equivalent of approaching someone in person at a bar or cafe,
especially on visually oriented platforms.
Why people slide into DMs
Sliding into DMs is mainly done to break the ice with someone who has caught your attention online. These are some of the reasons why people slide into DMs:
Romantic or romantic interest: Probably the most frequent reason, sliding into someone’s DMs is the way of expressing romantic interest.
This first message allows the sender to gauge whether the recipient is interested or not without the burden of having a face-to-face conversation with the person.
Professional networking: People fall in DMs for professional issues, especially on sites like LinkedIn or Twitter. They would be contacting each other to perhaps discuss career opportunities, a collaboration, or just shared interests.
Social or Friendship Opportunities: Making friends, connecting over common interests, or just complimenting a piece of content is an easy way to slip into their DMs.
Influencer and brand collaboration: For influencers and brands, tapping into the DMs is a business move; therefore, brands find influencers to promote their products and connect with brands they love.
In both cases, it is the sender’s intention that is usually determined by the framing of the message as well as the response of the receiver, which then further dictates the tone and flow of the conversation.
The Art of Sliding into a DM: Dos and Don’ts
Slipping into DMs is an art that requires tact and finesse. Here are the important dos and don’ts:
Dos:
Be Respectful: The first and foremost rule for proper DM etiquette is treating each other with respect and courtesy. Messages should avoid rude language or dominating behavior.
Personalize your message: A simple “hey” is very rude.
You have to mention something specific on the recipient’s post or a mutual interest or maybe a shared professional background as well.
Interest Gauge: If you started a conversation and they are responding warmly then you can continue, otherwise if the responses are brief, delayed, or ceased altogether, it’s probably best to respect their wishes.
Keyp up the words: First emails dont need to be longish. Begin with an intro or question that leads toward their interest.
Be original: If you really care to what they are posting on about, or about the fellow guy himself, show it off. Online authenticity builds some sort of connection.
Avoid flirting: Avoid coming on too strong when showing romantic interest. Such an over-flirtatious approach can be very offending to the recipient.
Do not send a reply within a short time after them: If they do not reply to your initial message, a reply a while later can still be perceived as harassment and might offend them.
One must remember that people have their limitations, and one should respect other people’s boundaries.
Avoid copying messages: These tend to come out as robotic or even insincere, as though the sender was looking to get just a reply from any person rather than that person.
Do not start on sensitive topics: The first message would set the foundation. Do not begin with sensitive or controversial matters because this can be confronting or offending.
Examples of how to slide into DMs.
The first message sets the tone of your interaction, so getting it right is important. Here are some examples based on different contexts:
Romantic or romantic interest: “Hey [name], I stumbled upon your profile, and I like your [specific interest, like artwork or photography]. If you’re willing, I’d love to discuss it.” I really want to talk more about it!
Professional Networking: “Hi [name], I have been following your work on [specific project or topic], and it is really impressive.”
Friendly or social interest: “Hey! I noticed you’re a big fan of [common interest] too, and I couldn’t resist reaching out. It’s great to find someone else who appreciates it!”
Brand Partnership: Hi! I just loved your content, and your aesthetic resonated so much with me to our brand, [brand name]. I would love a chat about cooperation in case you are interested too.
It has reference in songs, movies, and social media,
so it seems to be here to stay as part of the modern dating lexicon. Even artists like Drake with “How About Now” and Yo Gotti’s “Down in the DM” gain popularity in music by cementing the phrase in pop culture.
The phrase is now common understanding, and its comical and witty undertones in how people speak about social media interactions.
Another aspect of etiquette of online communication and the online relationship’s boundaries has also been a topic of discussion of sliding into DMs. While the Internet opens people to others who would have not been possible or even in the realm of imagination beforehand,
it has made communication easier between people from across the globe. Simultaneously, however,
that means that people have to navigate the subtleties of digital interaction as they send their interest across while respecting the comfort levels of the other party.
Failure to slide in DMs.
A failure in sliding in the DMs is as widespread as slipping. It happens by misreading cues and stepping over lines. Below are some of the most frequent errors :
Sending unsolicite messages: If a message has sent out an individual without prior conversation then it is an unsolicite message. Like them,
comment on their publicly published content before you go about sending them a message.
Becoming too clingy: Sending several messages, with a small or no response at a single moment, brings such a creepy situation and gets your number block.
Personal attack: Once the other receiver rejects responding regarding your interest and wish in them. So there is a need for personal perception because most of the people differ.
Read More: What to Text after a First Date: How to Get that First Follow-up Text Right
Conclusion
Slipping into DMs has become part and parcel of modern digital interactions and shows changes in how one can communicate, network, or date.
It’s also the way by which a person can get into connection without public interactions; thus people engage in deep conversations leading to relationships and workplace collaborations. However, respect, honesty, and patience are necessary, since everyone has different comfort levels.
But after all, sliding into people’s DMs is to generate connections. As long as the sliding is thoughtful,
sliding can be a pretty interesting and rewarding way of building connections, whether through friends, love, or other opportunities.
And in a digitally connect world where more people than ever are logg in on social media platforms connecting billions,
the humble simple friendly DM can indeed create great powers.
