What does DM mean?
Definition, Use Cases, Examples

DM Meaning

DM stands for Direct Message.

DM is used when a person wants to communicate with someone directly.

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How is DM used? Use Cases & Examples

If teenagers are in a group chat, they might want to break out and speak privately. In this case one person will send or request a direct message to take the conversation out of the public domain. This abbreviation is also used to refer to the “Dungeon Master” in the game Dungeons and Dragons.

Examples of how your teen might use the slang term DM:

-Hunter dm’d me this morning!

-If you have dog food donations that need to be picked up, DM me.
<p-DM me when you can, so we can figure out the party plans.

-My friend Austin is the best DM ever.

How to Identify if your child is using the DM slang word

You might learn your child is using this slang term by chance when a text pops up on the phone screen. But while the slang term DM is harmless, other teenage slang terms could indicate that your teen is talking about risky behaviors or communicating with potentially dangerous people.

Having a parental control app on your child’s phone will give you peace of mind by alerting you to your child’s exposure to risks encountered on their phone. With a parental control app installed on your child’s phone, you have the control to set alerts to help your teen avoid the pitfalls of predators, drug dealers, and other negative influences. Having the ability to vary the level of monitoring gives you the power to choose what is right for your child, and these levels can easily be adjusted at any time.”

How to talk with your child about use of the DM slang word

If you see “DM” in your teen’s messages, it’s probably harmless but worth checking out. Direct messaging is an ubiquitous form of communication, but you want to keep an eye on who is asking your teen to communicate privately. Here are some conversation starters for you and your teen:
  • I saw that a person from the dance organization asked you to dm them about the upcoming competition. Do adults you don’t know dm you frequently?
  • If someone you don’t know well dm’s you, how can you tell if he/she is sketchy?
  • Do you think direct messaging is easier than calling?
  • How much time does a person have to commit to become a Dungeon Master? It sounds pretty complicated.

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