> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.dumgum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Automate Engagement The `Engage` feature in DumGum is a powerful tool that helps your Personas **automatically start or continue conversations** with users. This increases user interaction without you having to manually send every message. It works by telling the Persona **when and how** to send an extra (proactive) message in a chat. You control this with one main setting called `replyParameters.engage`. ## 1. What does "engage" actually do? The **engage** setting is like giving your Persona instructions on **how to reach out** to a user. It has four main choices: * **ICEBREAKER**: Start a completely new conversation (great when there is no chat history yet). * **NUDGE**: Gently follow up on the most recent message to keep the conversation going. * **REVIVE**: Restart an old or "dead" conversation that has been quiet for a while. * **AUTO**: Let the Persona decide the best of the three options automatically (recommended for most cases). ### Quick Recommendation Table | Situation | Recommended `engage` | Why? | | --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Brand new user, no chat yet | `ICEBREAKER` (or `AUTO`) | Starts the conversation naturally | | You want full control over opener style | `ICEBREAKER` + specific `IcebreakerType` | Tailored icebreakers | | User replied recently but dropped off | `NUDGE` | Keeps momentum without changing topic | | Conversation died hours/days ago | `REVIVE` | Brings it back to life | | You don't want to think about timing | `AUTO` | Persona decides intelligently | This feature makes your Personas feel more alive and responsive, exactly what users love in chat experiences. *** ## 2. The Four Modes Explained ### 2.1 ICEBREAKER: Starting fresh conversations Use this when the user has **never messaged** your Persona before (or the chat is brand new). The Persona looks at the user's profile and creates an opening message designed to get a reply. * By default, it uses `AUTO` (the Persona picks what it thinks is the smartest way to start). * You can also choose a specific style by setting an `IcebreakerType`. | `IcebreakerType` | What it means | Best forโ€ฆ | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | | `AUTO` | Persona chooses the best opener automatically | Most situations: safe and smart default | | `NO_PHOTO` | User has no profile picture | Encouraging them to add one | | `MISSING_DETAIL` | Profile is missing important info (age, interests, etc.) | Asking for missing details naturally | | `MUCH_YOUNGER` | User is at least 7 years younger than the Persona | Age-gap friendly openers | | `MUCH_OLDER` | User is at least 7 years older than the Persona | Age-gap friendly openers | | `NEARBY` | User is within \~10 km / close location | Location-based icebreakers | | `GENERIC` | Simple, universal opener that works for anyone | When you want something neutral | | `USER_ONLINE` | User is currently online right now | Urgency / real-time feel | | `USER_OFFLINE` | User is currently offline | Casual check-in | | `JUST_JOINED` | User signed up very recently | Welcoming new users | | `EROTIC` | Starts with a strongly flirtatious / adult-themed message | When the Persona is meant for spicy chats | | `PHOTO_COMMENT` | Persona comments on the user's main profile picture | Visual / personalized start | If you choose **PHOTO\_COMMENT**, the Persona might say: "Wow, that beach photo is stunning. Where was that taken? ๐Ÿ˜" ### 2.2 NUDGE: Keep the chat alive Use this when the user **hasn't replied recently** (usually within the last few hours). The Persona sends a gentle follow-up that **stays on the same topic** and encourages the user to respond without feeling pushy. **Example:** If the last message was about weekend plans, a nudge might be: *"Still thinking about that hiking trip? Any plans yet? ๐ŸŒฒ"* ### 2.3 REVIVE: Bring back cold conversations Use this for chats that have gone quiet for a longer time (typically 6+ hours since the user's last message). The Persona can: * Refer back to something from the previous messages, or * Switch to a fresh topic if needed This helps "revive" stale threads without losing context. **Example:** *"Hey, it's been a while since we talked about your trip to Italy. Did you end up going? ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น"* ### 2.4 AUTO: No-code mode Set `engage` to `AUTO`, and the AI automatically chooses the right action based on the situation: | Condition | Action taken | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | No previous messages at all | Uses **ICEBREAKER** | | Recent message (\< 6 hours ago) but no reply | Uses **NUDGE** | | Older message (โ‰ฅ 6 hours ago) | Uses **REVIVE** | **AUTO** is the simplest and most hands-off way. You don't need to track timing or decide modes yourself. The Persona does the smart work. *** ## Why use the Engage feature? * **Increases replies and keeps users coming back**: smart, timely messages get better response rates than doing nothing. * **One single setting does it all**: instead of building complicated rules or timers in your system, just use this one parameter. * **Customizable when you want control**: use specific `IcebreakerType` options for more targeted or playful starts. * **Saves time**: especially with `AUTO`, your team can focus on other things while the AI keeps conversations flowing.