A basic guide to paranoia TWs.

Instructions

There seems to be a lot of confusion around paranoia trigger warnings. While I cannot speak for everyone, this project should give y'all a basic understanding of the TW's criteria. ____________ First off, why do we need the TW? Paranoia TWs help prevent unnecessary stress, anxiety, and panic. Being an online community, it is very scary to hear "I know your location," or things like that. Remarks without the TW could lead to the reader spiraling. This could cause panic. "How do you know where I am?" "Am I in danger?" All these thoughts could be prevented if you use a paranoia warning. ________________ Not only this, but it's important to be accommodating for people. Paranoia is a symptom and a real mental health condition that I'm sure many people in the studio have [myself included]. The TW is not "hey everyone, so and so has paranoid personality disorder, let's mock them," nor is it used to call anyone out. It is simply in place to help ease the stress that many people, with or without the conditions, can have. TWs are not just formalities, they are important gestures of support. ----------------------- Now, what needs the TW? While I cannot provide a complete list, as that would be impossible, I can give y'all basic criteria and some of the more prevalent examples. Criteria: 1]] Statements Suggesting Threats or Danger Even if you do not mean it in a serious way, statements that suggest you're in harm's way always need the TW. Comments that say people are: aware of your location, watching you, or anything along those lines need the TW. Examples: - "I know where you live" - "I'm going to your location" - "You should be worried about what is coming next." 2]] References to being watched. Things alluding to being surveilled or observing in an invasive way need the TW. Even if it is hypothetical or fictional. Examples include: - "Someone could be watching you." - "They know where you are." - "I know your secrets." - "The walls are listening" 3]] Ambiguous or cryptic remarks that lack context. Mysterious language that does not provide context can come off as threatening. These can make the person feel on edge and stressed of what is coming. Examples are: - "You have three days..." - "The fog is coming." - "One week left." 4]] Conspiracies, hidden threats, and secrecy. Discussions focused on secret organizations or hidden forces plotting against individuals need the TW. These conversations can be problematic, especially with paranoia. Examples: - "They've been hiding the truth from you." - "They're controlling you." - "You don't know their plan..." 5]] Things that imply mistrust or personal attacks. Feeling attacked or scrutinized can trigger paranoia, as well as suggesting someone cannot be trusted. This one is a wee bit difficult to understand, so I'll try to give strong examples. - "Everybody hates you." - "You can't be trusted." - "No one is going to like you if you do that." - "So-and-so is hiding something." - Impersonation and being hacked. I would also like to add that comments attacking the character of others are not allowed. They violate the SCGs and the rules. Being rude or trying to hurt another person is not okay. Closing remarks: This project is supposed to be a starting point. Communication about your triggers and the things you need is important and should be respected. It is not an invitation for others to mock you. These warnings exist so people who know they get triggered can choose whether or not they want to proceed reading the comment. It is an act of support. For people who don't experience paranoia, these warnings can still be beneficial. They showcase the effect words have on people and that context can change how a message is received. Being mindful of these triggers helps create a safe space for everyone. And, remember: paranoia can affect anyone. It's not only a mental health condition, but a real and valid response to feeling unsafe. _____________________________________________