Nevada Film Office: At times, producers and/or distributors may believe that certain scenes in a film, music video, television episode, or video game contains content that will offend, traumatize, or otherwise cause harm or discomfort to some viewers. In such cases, content warnings are often given in conjunction with a content rating system that specifies the type of audience the film or production is suitable for, such as M for mature audiences.
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I also believe that content and trigger warnings are a good way to warn people of such forthcoming content that might make the people uncomfortable. Film and TV makers create content that is new, interesting and would rake in some good profits. In such scenario, it is applaud able that they are aware of their content's sensitivity and are willing to warn the viewers, which might make them lose some viewers. It feels good when people care about other people.
However, not everyone does so because they want to. Film and Television Content Committees are very careful about the content that is being aired. For one, they recognize that different people are sensitive to different things. For another, they don't want to be held responsible for someone's breakdown or for airing something that is disrespectful to a majority of people.
Both these things, conscience and duty working together ensure that people are aware of the content and its complexities and sensitive topics. These things ultimately help people in being cautious about what they watch.
Announcing a disclaimer that certain media is severe is an essential part of entertainment. Industries should be sensitive to individuals who have undergone trauma, or struggle with mental illness, because one is unsure what could “trigger” them to feel targeted and upset. These warnings are also useful for parents who wish to share media with their children. Seeing a warning could make them aware of the content before exposing their family to it. My parents always believed that dramas with difficult topics were worth showing, even if I was young. They found it essential that I understand the struggles of people different than me. If a film had a severe warning, they made sure to watch it beforehand, before recommending it to me. However, not every family feels the same way, and would rather shield violence and other negative situations from children. Any opinion or viewpoint is acceptable, but it is important that the individual can make the decision because they are aware, rather than entering a film or production with no idea of its content.
More often than not we see trigger warnings for effects that may do some sort of physical damage, (eg. Strobes.) as a regular practice, but we tend to ignore sensitive content. I highly endorse the use of the trigger warnings, because they provide the reader with necessary information. As adults, I believe we are responsible for what we choose to witness. A trigger warning provides the safe space for a person to make the decision, whether to expose themselves to certain content, or not. I have been involved in debates where we discuss “Warnings” becoming a “Spoilers”. Some people have argued trigger warnings will give away the production content, and reduce shock value. But when should we prioritize production value over audience safety? In the past, I’ve seen companies rate their plays “M” for mature, and have a document available for the audience at the box office, explaining why is it for Mature Audiences. This has resulted in a safer practice for both sides, notifying the audience without compromising the production value.
More often than not we see trigger warnings for effects that may do some sort of physical damage, (eg. Strobes.) as a regular practice, but we tend to ignore sensitive content. I highly endorse the use of the trigger warnings, because they provide the reader with necessary information. As adults, I believe we are responsible for what we choose to witness. A trigger warning provides the safe space for a person to make the decision, whether to expose themselves to certain content, or not. I have been involved in debates where we discuss “Warnings” becoming a “Spoilers”. Some people have argued trigger warnings will give away the production content, and reduce shock value. But when should we prioritize production value over audience safety? In the past, I’ve seen companies rate their plays “M” for mature, and have a document available for the audience at the box office, explaining why is it for Mature Audiences. This has resulted in a safer practice for both sides, notifying the audience without compromising the production value.
I am glad that this article exists to bring more light to the topic of content and trigger warnings. For as long as I can remember, I have always seen warnings on movies with their ratings, usually referring to sexual conduct, crude language, or violence. Ratings in entertainment, however, have changed greatly over time, based on shifts in societal values. I think having specific trigger warnings is an extremely important thing for industry leaders to consider, as certain content can really affect the physical or mental state of a viewer. Some people love horror movies, for example, but others can not even stand to watch the previews without having painful flashbacks to a past life event. For the entertainment industry to continue to become more diverse, considerate, and accepting of people from all walks of life, I think focusing on mental health and how certain images will/can affect their audiences is something that should be their main priority.
I found that this article did a good job at simply stating what the difference is between trigger warnings and content warnings. The description they give, "Trigger warnings are similar to content warnings, but they are typically in reference to content that is extremely upsetting in nature and can trigger a negative, unwanted response in certain audience members, such as trauma survivors, individuals with common phobias, and viewers with visual sensitivities" is stated without any judgement, something I find often lacking in the conversation concerning these warnings. Often times, trigger warnings are seen as extra or over the top, but there is a need for them just as much as the content warnings. This consideration of how content can affect those mentally and emotionally should be standard place, and I hope that the entertainment industry embraces this with gusto. These warnings allow the viewer to make an aware and conscious choice on what content they want to watch, and allows for everyone walking into to a movie or sitting at a computer to watch a show to be able to decide before hand what they think is healthy and safe for them personally.
I wholeheartedly believe that all media should come with content warnings and trigger warnings. The idea that some people have of “oh, well just watch it and you will find out what is in it” when it comes to media is so harmful for so many people. Especially because more and more filmmakers are leaning into the surprise factor in their pieces. A surprise swarm of spiders could send someone into a panic attack. A surprise sequence of loud noises could trigger someone's ptsd flashbacks. A surprise self harm and/or suicide scene could actually kill someone or cause them to relapse if they are not in a good headspace. These things need to be known before they see the show, film, etc. There are websites out there like doesthedogdie.com where people who have seen the movies or shows will input what possible triggers are included in that particular piece of media and honestly, this website is my go to when I know I can not handle watching certain things sometimes.
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