To ask what 'triggering' means on a thread?

[Jillspa]

I'm fairly new to MN, and I see this on loads of threads - I think I've got some sort of idea, but could someone please explain it to me?

Thanks

[AdelindSchade]

The writer thinks there is something on the thread which could set off an extreme emotional reaction in someone else.

[DanglyEarOrnaments]

It means that the content could trigger a traumatic emotional response in some readers who may have experienced something within the content.

[AdelindSchade]

Don't really see the need for it when it is abundantly clear from the title what the thread is about.

[Jillspa]

Ah - that's what I thought it meant - but thanks for explaining more fully.

[WellErrr]

It's also very overused.

'Does my cat look sad? ' etc.

[KittyKrap]

Some poster started a thread and had a picture of a buttered crumpet in it last week. Apparently she should have had 'trigger warning' for those scared of holes...no, me either

[Jillspa]

The two last examples made me laugh!

[Jillspa]

I didnt' realise it was so overused - I've basically seen it in relation to things like eating disorders etc - tbh - I don't often open threads with WARNING - TRIGGERING on them because I generally like the more lighthearted threads (not because I would find them triggering /traumatic as such)

[Hayels]

I appreciate the warning people put on spider photo threads!!
Thanks!

[StuffandBother]

the request for a 'trigger' warning on the crumpet thread made me proper lol