I don't know, but here's a guess - if you haven't already communicated with someone in both directions, then there may be some restrictions on what kind of messages you can send.

This guess is based on a single data point: a new-to-me message told me s/he couldn't send me an image until I responded, although s/he was able to send me ordinary text.

There is some sort of fail safe here.
The algorithm is such that "We might, sometimes, automatically redirect someone's new message to Messages Requests, independently of the filters, for safety."

I think if you've had no interaction, ie the person never commented on a post of your or you theirs etc the system may send it to requests as a safety measure.

if u send someone a message or u ve chatted with them beofre then it will be in ur inbox if they send u a message first then it will be in requests

A message request is usually from someone not in your friends list.
Once you have replied they will go into messages.
Friends messages go into the messages inbox.
I think that’s correct.
And first time messagers will see the note you have left for them if you have done one.

happens to me too

If you don’t have special settings, the person messaging you might.

I don't get it either. I wish they would all go directly to the inbox, there is nothing to alert me to their presence if they end up in requests. Some of them have gone neglected for days because of it.

If someone you don’t know messages you it’s because they sent you a message
A message request is without a message by clicking on « friend»on the top right corner of your profile

Good question and I don’t know what is going on in the SW hamster wheel. I think they are confused about their identity and looking to sell the concept. Just my opinion

It doesn't make any sense to me, either. 🤷‍♂️
I've missed several messages because they were in requests instead of my inbox. I don't know why they go there.

Messages go into requests if they are from someone not in your friends list I believe,
It usually takes me a while to notice them.....

I think you can control that in your settings but if you cannot then it is the administrators trying to protect you

I never understood why this happened either! Glad it wasn't just me!

I don't know but I just checked my message requests and the algorithm is working correctly

It’s very random
Sometimes messages from those things in my circle go to the Request’s box
Makes no sense

its all about filters. Michelle

Requests are, I think, new messages from New people... Maybe lol

May b some settings need to change

Welcome...

🤷‍♀️

It's an option in settings

You must have some restriction on your account, if you don't want messages from say 16 and under, they automatically go to requests, or you have archived a message and after that, the person has messaged you, it then shows up as a 'request'