DM

Updated: 01/18/2023 by Computer Hope
direct message between smartphones

DM may refer to any of the following:

1. Abbreviation for direct message, DM is any message sent directly and privately to another user. For example, on Twitter, a direct message could be sent to Computer Hope using @computerhope in the message.

When sending a DM, it's only visible to you and the other person you're sending the DM. However, if the DM is reported as abuse the service (e.g., Twitter) could view all your DMs to verify it's not being abused.

Note

Services like Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook use DM in place of PM (private message) although they have the same meaning.

Example of using a DM

Below is an example of how DM may be used online.

DM me your phone number so I can call you.

How can I prevent someone from dming me?

Many of the services that support the ability to DM another user also give their users the ability to control who can DM you. For example, in your Twitter user Privacy and safety settings, you can uncheck the option "Receive messages from anyone" to disable the ability for anyone on Twitter to send you a DM. Twitter and other services also allow you to mute and block other users that prevent them from sending you a DM.

2. An abbreviation sometimes used for Device Manager. To help prevent confusion, we recommend writing out "Device Manager" in all your writing and not using this abbreviation.

3. DM is an abbreviation for deathmatch.

4. When discussing role-playing, a DM is short for Dungeon Master and is the person responsible for controlling the Dungeons and Dragons game.

5. The Internet domain suffix .dm is short for Dominica.

6. When used in WoW (World of Warcraft), DM is an abbreviation used for Deadmines or Dire Maul.

Chat terms, Computer acronyms, Game terms, IM, PM, @reply, Whisper