Discord users bombarded with friend requests; getting harassed via DM

Discord recently introduced changes to the username system, including forced lowercase letters and restrictions on certain words, leading to a cascade of problems and an overall negative user experience.

As people grapple with the fallout, the platform has become embroiled in controversy, with reports of username conflicts, harassment, and discontent spreading like wildfire (1,2,3,4,5).

One of the major issues stemming from Discord’s new username system is the bombardment of friend requests.

Those who hold unique and sought-after usernames are now finding themselves at odds with others who are eager to reclaim those usernames.

This has led to a barrage of friend requests, often multiple, from individuals desperately trying to regain their old usernames.

I’m so glad they changed discord names so I get 10 friend requests a day from randoms because I have a unique name
Source

Since I was able to nab the name Ozz with the new discord name changes, I’ve been getting nonstop friend requests from various ozz/ozzy users, but then the request is always immediately revoked. What’s going on here?
Source

Imagine logging into Discord only to find your DM’s filled with messages, some polite but persistent, others more aggressive and demanding, all centered around your username (1,2,3,4,5).

The situation has escalated to the point where some users are resorting to harassment in their pursuit, hoping to pressure others into relinquishing their acquired usernames.

This intense competition and pressure have fostered a hostile environment within Discord where a basic feature like ‘friend requests’ has become a source of resentment.

Amidst the chaos and frustration, some users have found a potential workaround to alleviate the situation.

By disabling friend requests, individuals can minimize the influx of requests from others seeking to reclaim their previous usernames:

1. Do to ‘Settings’
2. Then ‘Friend Requests’
3. Select ‘Everyone’ option and turn it ‘Off’
Source

While this approach may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying problems with Discord’s username system.

The burden should not rest solely on the users to find ways to cope with a flawed system; rather, it is Discord’s responsibility to rectify the issues and restore faith in the platform.

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