diff --git a/features/groups/group_functionality.go b/features/groups/group_functionality.go
index f5ba3a5..2f17e2d 100644
--- a/features/groups/group_functionality.go
+++ b/features/groups/group_functionality.go
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ func ExperimentGate(experimentMap map[string]bool) (*GroupFunctionality, error)
 
 func (gf *GroupFunctionality) SendMessage(peer peer.CwtchPeer, handle string, message string) error {
 	// TODO this auto accepting behaviour needs some thinking through
-	if peer.GetGroup(handle).Accepted {
+	if !peer.GetGroup(handle).Accepted {
 		err := peer.AcceptInvite(handle)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("tried to mark a nonexistent group as existed. bad!")