What Are Content Warnings?
Content warnings are brief notices that alert readers to potentially distressing material in a story. They’re not censorship, nor are they spoilers — they’re a courtesy that allows readers to make informed choices about what they wish to engage with. In speculative fiction, where themes can range from whimsical to deeply unsettling, content warnings help maintain trust between author and audience. They empower readers to skip or prepare for scenes that might be emotionally difficult.
What Types of Material Might Need a Content Warning?
Not every story needs a content warning, and not every genre treats disturbing material the same way. Horror, for example, often assumes a baseline of unsettling content, so warnings are not usually expected. But in genres like fantasy, science fiction, or magical realism, disturbing scenes can appear unexpectedly. Common warning-worthy topics include graphic violence, sexual assault, child harm, suicide, and abuse. The goal isn’t to list every possible discomfort — just to flag major themes that some readers may prefer to avoid.
Example of a Content Warning
Let’s say you’ve written a ghost story where a character loses a finger in a ritual gone wrong. A simple content warning might read: “Content Warning: graphic injury (finger amputation).” This gives readers a heads-up without revealing plot twists. Some authors place warnings at the beginning of the story, while others include them before the relevant section. The format can vary, but clarity and brevity are key.
What About Trigger Warnings?
Trigger warnings originated in clinical settings as an attempt to help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) avoid material that could provoke (trigger) flashbacks or panic. Current psychological research (1) suggests trigger warnings are neither significantly helpful nor harmful — they don’t prevent distress, but they may offer a sense of control. This is welcome information for speculative fiction authors since they are not usually psychologists. Many authors now use “content warning” as a more neutral term, focusing on courtesy rather than clinical impact.
How to Use Content Warnings Thoughtfully
Authors don’t need to anticipate every reader’s sensitivities, but they can offer guidance where it matters most. One test is for an author to ask themselves if a friend or relative would be uncomfortable with a particular scene. If so, include a warning. Some writers use standardized lists, while others tailor warnings to each story.
Conclusion
Speculative fiction thrives on imagination, but it also touches real emotions. Including a content warning is a simple way to respect your readers’ boundaries while preserving creative freedom. It’s not about limiting stories — it’s about inviting readers in, with care.
Reference:
(1) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/202402/trigger-warnings-can-be-triggering
R. C. Beckett was given a collection of Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazines as a teenager and read hundreds of the stories — he was hooked and started writing fiction in 2013. He loves to write hard science fiction, but can’t help adding a bit of humor. Publications: “Exit Mars” and “Exit Earth” (available on Amazon). “Exit Pluto”, the third in the Exit series, should be published in the near future. He is finishing up a new novel, Legacy of Earth. He lives in Golden Colorado and is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Walking his dog is key to his writing since that’s when he imagines plots for his stories. He also volunteers as a webmaster for non-profit companies including SpecFicWriters.