What Are Trigger Warning Websites?
Movies and shows with graphic violence, sexual assault, addiction, loss, and other difficult topics can be upsetting for some viewers. These scenes can be labeled as a “trigger” which causes strong emotional and physical responses due to trauma the person experienced, such as a veteran’s reaction to fireworks or a victim of assault responding with fight or flight when seeing depictions of it. Some websites have taken matters into their own hands and created a trigger warning database so viewers can know what’s coming before they press play.
Trigger Warnings Resource: Avoid Triggering Scenes with These Warning Database Options
If you’re a person who experiences a trigger in movies and shows, explore the warning database websites below and find a tool to help you enjoy films without reliving your trauma.
DoestheDogDie
This website uses crowdsourcing to gather trigger warnings and puts them in 80 categories that include books as well as movies and TV shows. If you’re concerned about a flick you’re interested in, you can search the title or your trigger and the site will generate a list of what to avoid. For example, if you have a spider phobia then the site will generate a list of shows, movies, and books to avoid that have spiders or spider-like creatures.
IMDB Keyword Search
IMDB is a great resource for cinephiles, helping to find films with their favorite directors, and actors, or explore genres. With their keyword search, you can also find films with specific triggers associated with them and content warnings before viewing. While it’s a great feature that helps people, it isn’t always reliable as the system isn’t designed as that kind of database.
Common Sense Media
This website is more for parents who want to ensure their children aren’t watching inappropriate content rather than people looking for a possible trigger. While people can leave reviews that include a list of trigger warnings, it’s difficult to search for that purpose.
Trigger Warning Database on Tumblr
Much like Doesthedogdie, Tumblr uses crowdsourcing to know what films have what triggers. Tumblr users can post a question or scroll through the database and see what others have said. The downside to this feature is that you’re reliant on others who may have missed your trigger or don’t list the title at all.
UnconsentingMedia.org
This website also targets specific triggers, like Common Sense Media, except instead of kid-friendly titles, it focuses on films that include rape and sexual assault. While this is a worthwhile effort, the database isn’t complete as it relies on a team of people. Users can make a submission, but you may not find the film or show you’re concerned about and risk seeing upsetting depictions.
HealingHonestly.com
HealingHonestly is spearheaded by a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and her website is devoted to listing films and shows that depict scenes around that, as well as other traumatic experiences. While Alisa’s mission is amazing and her one-girl work is extensive, users are mainly dependent on what she finds in media rather than an inclusive list of titles. Beyond her articles listing shows and films, Alisa also offers coaching, workshops, and resources for other survivors.
Control Content Triggers with Tag Mode: Enjoy Movies Your Way
The trigger warnings websites above are great tools for a lot of people, but it doesn’t solve one of the core problems: the trauma survivor still can’t watch the movie. We at Enjoy think a person deserves choices, including not being subject to depictions of triggering scenes or subjects not in line with their values, so we created Tag Mode.
In a few easy steps, you can tag triggering scenes and skip over them without having to skip the movie. We have a community of taggers too, trading their tags and helping avoid common triggers in titles.
Give our Tag Mode tutorial video a watch and discover how you no longer have to depend on warning databases but can take charge of your entertainment below.
