Are Trigger Warnings Helpful?

Summary: New research suggests that trigger warnings have little or no benefit in cushioning the blow of potentially disturbing content and, in some cases, may make things worse. For some, traumatic events leave deep psychological scars that can resurface many years later as renewed emotional pain or unwanted memories.

Why should trigger warnings be used?

Trigger warnings ensure that people are not suddenly confronted with triggers that may render them unable to focus and severely affect their state of mind. ... Trigger warnings help to offset significant, possibly debilitating, emotional reactions and create an avenue for informed interaction and mental preparedness.

Why shouldn't you say triggered?

These are natural responses that the body has to trauma, but they can nonetheless feel very scary to experience. Saying you're “triggered” when you really aren't writes off the experiences of your peers, and contributes to the stigma that we're trying to end every day.