Discussion: How to Deal With "Trigger/Sensative" Topics

[Haru'Shimo]

Good morning/afternoon everyone!

It's become apparent over the last few weeks that another issue we're running into on the forums is "Trigger" topics and "Sensitive" topics that make some members feel uncomfortable.
Now, most agreeably unnecessary topics are listed in the rules as such (drugs and violence, etc.), but for many members, some of the most ordinary things can have the same or worse effect.
So how do we as a community deal with this?

On one hand, there's the simple solution of adding "Trigger Warning" to a new thread.
However,it's almost impossible to know what may/may not make another member uncomfortable, since some can be effected by discussion of things like certain insects or places, and topics that may pertain to Otherkin/Therianthropy as a state of mind or being.

On the other hand, it stands to reason that should someone have such an issue, discussing it a good first step to acceptance and overcoming the problem, so such topics shouldn't be restricted.
However, we as a community and naturally social creatures don't want to offend or discourage people from being here, and should be sensitive to them.
However-however, especially where the Cbox is concerned, we can't know what issues people have if they don't speak up to let us know.

So I'm putting it to all us on the forums to either come to an agreeable understanding, or find a plausible solution.
Obviously we can't make a list of people's possible triggers and expect every member to read them, most members barely read the rules.
So let's hear what you have to say on the issue, and maybe we can figure this out in a way that's best for everyone.

[Seraphyna]

I think the obvious triggers should have a 'trigger warning' in the title. Topics like suicide, abuse, self harm, eating disorders, etc. Things that are a less common trigger like gender issues, depression, mental disorders, should have a 'possible trigger'. In either case it should also include the topic (as in *trigger warning-mention of X'. Other than that, it's pretty hard to say what will trigger whom and it ultimately comes down to individuals having to read topic titles and decide for themselves.

[Haru'Shimo]

Seraphyna,

I can agree with that. Those rely on good judgement of course, so it's the lesser known ones or topics that pertain to Otherkin/Therianthropy that become troublesome.
My personal opinion is that if someone has an issue with a topic, they should simply avoid it themselves, not expect anyone else to not discuss it.
I understand some can cause fairly extreme reactions, but if someone is literally going to have a panic attack just reading something they can't confront, I feel safe to say that is beyond our ability to help with anyway.

9_9... Though I'm starting to wonder if I'm becoming Jaded or just insensitive..

[Kasumi Noxumbra]

Well I'm kind of in the same boat as Haru and Seraphyna about what I believe on this topic. I mean I myself have some triggers that cause me to get mad or upset, but I also don't expect others to remember them all nor not talk about something because its my trigger. I will still talk about the stuff that triggers my emotions, but of course to me that is the first step to getting over them as I've noticed has been the case all these years. >_> Granted I still feel like I'm being insensitive like Haru said he feels, but having to remember not to talk about certain things because of these triggers others may have pretty much makes me feel like I'd be restricted on what I can and cannot talk about here.

[Lumi]

That feeling restricted is why I feel that you guys are right, just put something in the title about sensitive topic. I don't think it's insensitive to tell people just to avoid the topic if it bothers them. that's what a mature person should do. just because you don't like a topic or are not comfortable around it does not mean everyone else should tiptoe around you. it's just like my motto on fb, just keep scrolling.

[Deleted]

Agreed with most of the above, its good that there is a fore warning for topics that are sensitive to others, people shouldn't be sugar-glazing their own truth so it sounds different for general mature areas on the forum but rather have a place where they can post more freely under a 'trigger' label. I think it would also clear a lot of the 'fluff' people have been talking about around some areas of the forum which some of the older members missed.

[Lumi]

that's a good idea to have a sensitive topics section

[Haru'Shimo]

Jun 16, 2014 21:29:09 GMT @arara said:

Agreed with most of the above, its good that there is a fore warning for topics that are sensitive to others, people shouldn't be sugar-glazing their own truth so it sounds different for general mature areas on the forum but rather have a place where they can post more freely under a 'trigger' label. I think it would also clear a lot of the 'fluff' people have been talking about around some areas of the forum which some of the older members missed.

While not a bad idea, there is one major draw-back to having a 'sensitive topics' area.
Should someone start a thread in an area that's obviously right for the topic, say a practical teaching or lesson, and then someone has an issue with something mentioned in it, it would then likely be moved to the sensitive topics thread, taking it out of the board that would help people find it and make use of it.

Inevitably the Sensitive Topics board would either be a mirror of the entire forum (as far as having separate boards and organization) or it would be a mass collection of miscellaneous threads and almost impossible to navigate.

Warning in thread titles is looking like the only nicety the forum can afford as far as accommodating people who have such issues, and the catch-all is simply requiring members to be mature about their own triggers.