In Zulip, a **conversation** is a [direct message](/help/direct-messages) thread (one-on-one or with a group), or a [topic in a stream](/help/streams-and-topics). Use the **Recent conversations** view to get an overview of all the ongoing conversations. This view is particularly useful for catching up on messages sent while you were away. {start_tabs} {!open-recent-conversations.md!} 1. The filters at the top help you quickly find relevant conversations. For example, select **Participated** to narrow to the topics you have sent messages to. {end_tabs} !!! tip "" The **Participants** column shows which users recently sent a message (newest on the left).