Start a direct message

A direct message (DM) is a 1:1 conversation. ScaiWave treats it as just another room — the only differences are it has exactly two participants, and the room "name" is resolved per-viewer (you see the other person's name; they see yours).

Three ways to start one#

From the People panel#

Sidebar → People section → search → click their name. If a DM between the two of you already exists, it opens. If not, a new one is created.

From a mention#

In any group room, click on someone's avatar or @name. A profile card opens with Message as a button. Click it.

From a search result#

The global search returns participants among its results. Click → DM.

What's different about a DM#

• Name resolves per-viewer: in the database, Room.name stays NULL for DMs. The client computes the display name as "the other member" each time it renders.
• Auto-close on both-left: when both members leave or close, the room is archived. Either can rejoin to revive.
• Cannot add more members: it's strictly two-party.
• Notifications default to all: DMs are presumed important. Change with the bell menu.

Federated DMs#

If you want a DM with someone on another tenant (or another ScaiWave server), use People → Search → Federated. You can search across the federated directory if the other server allows it; pick the person; the system creates a DM that's bridged across the two servers' federation links. See Federation.

What if you want a 1:1 with an AI?#

That's also a DM, technically — but easier to start from the AI Assistants section in the sidebar. Click an AI's name → opens (or creates) a DM with it. See Chat with AI.

Where to go next#

• Chat with AI.
• Manage your availability — set busy to discourage DMs while you focus.