HTML tags have been used to include references to studies throughout this text. Trigger warnings are commonly employed to assist individuals in avoiding or preparing themselves for potentially distressing content that could cause emotional or psychological harm (Cares et al., 2019; DeBonis, 2019; George & Hovey, 2020). While the intention behind trigger warnings is positive, opinions on their effectiveness remain mixed. Also known as content warnings, content advisories, or content notes, trigger warnings have long been utilized by TV and traditional media outlets, with more recent adoption by online media and individual creators sparking debate over their utility, appropriateness, and potential drawbacks (Charles et al., 2022).
Critics argue that trigger warnings can create anticipatory anxiety, reduce individuals’ resilience to difficult material, and oversensitize them to important yet challenging topics (Bellet et al., 2018; Gainsburg & Earl, 2018). On the other hand, proponents suggest that trigger warnings empower individuals to make informed choices about engaging with specific content (Cares et al., 2019; George & Hovey, 2020; DeBonis, 2019). With limited research, conflicting findings, individual variation in perspectives, and a lack of consensus on what constitutes an effective trigger warning, a recent meta-analysis examining the efficacy of trigger warnings has added valuable insights to the ongoing discussion (Bridgland et al., 2023).
The meta-analysis focused on studies investigating psychological and behavioral reactions to trigger warnings, specifically those notifying participants of potentially distressing content connected to past experiences. After screening numerous articles and conducting a meta-analysis from twelve selected studies, the results showed that trigger warnings had minimal impact on emotional response, avoidance behaviors, and content comprehension, with an observed increase in anticipatory distress.
It was noted that the studies predominantly involved Western, non-clinical adult samples and may not be generalizable to all populations. Future research should explore the differential impact of trigger warnings on diverse cultural groups, individuals with specific trauma experiences, neurodiverse individuals, and young people. Additionally, the meta-analysis underscored the need for age-appropriate approaches in considering the preferences and experiences of young individuals regarding content warnings.
While the meta-analysis highlights the limited effectiveness of trigger warnings for predominantly white adults in Western nations, it acknowledges the importance of further research on the potential benefits of trigger warnings for various groups. Future studies should also explore the long-term impacts of trigger warnings and their cumulative effect on individuals exposed to distressing content. Culturally and linguistically diverse communities should be included in research to understand the differential impacts of trigger warnings across various cultural backgrounds. Qualitative research into the perspectives of social media users, including young people, is crucial in shaping the future discourse on trigger warnings.
