Consensus
Mon 4 Nov 2024 4:23PM

On CWs: Which CWs should we ban?

N nora Public Seen by 31

For which topics, or kinds of topics, should the use of a content warning via the opt-in "Content Warning" or "Subject" field be banned, if any?

Prior threads on the topic include handling content warnings, tagging, and other things of this nature, CW policy and restrictions surrounding various types of posts related to self-harm, and @Shel's post On Content Warnings.

My understanding of the state of discussion regarding this question is that some number of people think we should have policies against the use of some content warnings. Content warning "food" is given as an example in "On Content Warnings." Others think we should not ban any. I am not sure there is any kind of consensus for or against any particular policy here.

I would like very much to hear a broad diversity of opinions on this topic; even if you think everyone disagrees with you, or that I disagree with you, please make your voice heard.

WM

walking mirage Mon 4 Nov 2024 6:51PM

I don't think we need to ban any CWs; the only harm that comes from someone being overly aggressive with them is potentially annoying their followers.

maybe a ban on using "NSFW" or similar as a CW would be appropriate, since there's already a system for that.

important to also keep in mind: any rules like this increase moderator workload (and user mental workload to keep track of them). cohost kept it simple; i don't see why we would need to diverge except in specific edge cases

M

Mori Mon 4 Nov 2024 7:04PM

@atomicthumbs This. Encouraging people to use tags instead of CWs for certain topics is fine, but banning CWs seems entirely unnecessary.