Digital Harm Brief: Ship or dip

What is ‘Ship or Dip’?

‘Ship or dip’ is an online trend where people post a photo, video, or name of two individuals and ask others if they should be ‘shipped’ (put in a romantic relationship) or ‘dipped’ (rejected).

While it can seem like a fun game to some, it often happens without the consent of the people involved. This means private lives and reputations are put up for public comment, which can cause harm – especially when it involves classmates, teachers, or people from the school community.

What’s the harm?

‘Ship or dip’ can quickly move from playful to harmful. It invites public judgement and can lead to online harm such as:

• Embarrassment and shame: Being voted on in front of peers can feel humiliating.
• Bullying: Hurtful comments and jokes often follow.
• Rumours: False relationships or stories can spread quickly online.
• Peer pressure: Students may feel forced to join in or support the majority vote.
• Unsafe boundaries: If teachers or staff are included in ‘ship or dip’ games, it crosses professional and ethical lines.

Even if the intention was ‘just for fun,’ the impact can be long-lasting, especially for young people still developing confidence and identity.

What can schools do?

Schools have an important role in preventing and responding to ‘ship or dip’ and similar online trends. Steps schools can take include:

• Education: Teach students about consent, respect, and the consequences of online games that involve other people’s lives.
• School policies: Include clear guidelines about harmful digital behaviour and what’s not acceptable.
• Student support: Provide safe spaces and trusted staff for students affected by online harm.
• Encourage reporting: Make sure students know how and where to report if they or someone else is being targeted.
• Whānau partnership: Share information with parents and whānau so they can have open conversations at home about online trends and risks.

By tackling ‘ship or dip’ directly, schools can help young people understand that online games involving real people can cause real harm.

Need help?

If your school, students, or staff are experiencing issues with ‘ship or dip’ or other online harm, Netsafe can help. We provide free, confidential, and non-judgemental advice.

Contact us:

• Phone (toll free) 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)(tel:0508638723)
• Email [email protected](mailto:[email protected])
• Report online at report.netsafe.org.nz(https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au)
• Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282(sms:4282?body=Netsafe)