Trigger Warnings: Gesture Without Impact

Trigger warnings do not influence people's emotional responses to negative stimuli, as those exposed to them feel just as negative as those who were not warned. This lack of difference has been consistently observed across various studies and types of negative content, indicating that trigger warnings may serve merely as social gestures rather than effective tools for emotional preparation or mitigation. Additionally, while the existing research holds value in controlled environments, it raises ethical questions regarding the practical application of trigger warnings for individuals with specific triggers, challenging the assumption that they fulfill their intended purpose.