Direct Messages

GeekHub has end-to-end encrypted direct messaging. Messages are private between you and the other person - no one else, including admins, can read them.

Access messages at geekhub.in/messages or click the message icon in the navbar.

Starting a Conversation

You can only message someone after they accept your request:

  1. Go to any user's profile page
  2. Click Send Message
  3. Write a short message (at least 10 characters) explaining why you want to connect
  4. Click Send Request

The other person sees your request in their Messages inbox under the Requests tab. They can accept or decline.

Once accepted, you can message each other freely without further approval.

Message Requests

Open the Requests tab in Messages to see pending connection requests from other users.

  • Accept - opens a conversation with that user
  • Decline - dismisses the request without notifying the sender

Accepting a request does not automatically follow or connect you on any other part of the platform.

Sending Messages

In an active conversation:

  • Type in the text box at the bottom and press Enter or click the send button
  • Messages support plain text only (no markdown formatting in chat)
  • Press Shift + Enter for a new line without sending

Message Actions

Hover over (or tap on mobile) any message to reveal:

  • Edit - change what you sent (edited messages are marked with an "edited" indicator)
  • Delete - remove the message from both sides
  • React - add an emoji reaction

These actions are only available on your own messages for edit and delete. Anyone in the conversation can react.

End-to-End Encryption

All messages are encrypted using ECDH P-256 key exchange + AES-GCM. What this means in practice:

  • Messages are encrypted in your browser before being sent to the server
  • The server stores encrypted data - it cannot read your messages
  • Your encryption keys are stored locally in your browser (IndexedDB)
  • If you clear your browser data, older messages may become unreadable on that device

This is automatic - you don't need to do anything to enable it.

Deleting a Conversation

Click the ... menu on a conversation and select Delete Chat. This removes the conversation from your view only - the other person's copy is unaffected.

Mobile Use

The messages interface is fully usable on mobile:

  • Tap a message bubble to reveal Edit, Delete, and React options (same as hover on desktop)
  • The text input auto-grows as you type
  • Tap outside a message to dismiss the action toolbar

Limitations

  • You cannot message someone who has not accepted your request
  • Group chats are not supported - conversations are 1-to-1 only
  • File and image attachments are not supported in the current version
  • Admins cannot read your messages, but can act on reports (if you report a user for harassment, the admin reviews the context you provide, not the message content)
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