Mastodon Content Warning Feature

Key Features

• CW Text Field - Separate warning message
• Content Hidden - Post text behind warning
• User Control - Viewers choose to reveal
• Community Respect - Follows Mastodon etiquette
• Common Topics - Politics, spoilers, sensitive subjects
• Optional Feature - Use when appropriate
• Clear Labeling - Warning text visible
• Click to Reveal - Users expand when ready
• Cultural Norm - Expected on Mastodon
• Media Support - CW applies to media too
• Thread Support - CW on threaded posts
• Mastodon-Specific - Not used on X or BlueSky
• Respectful Posting - Community-minded feature

When to Use CW

Common CW Topics:

• Politics
• Spoilers (movies, TV, books)
• Mental health discussions
• Food (for eating disorder awareness)
• Flashing lights/GIFs
• Violence or death
• NSFW content
• Potentially triggering topics

Mastodon Culture:

• Better to CW than not
• Specific warnings appreciated
• Community norms vary by instance
• Respectful communication valued

Why It's Important

Mastodon culture emphasizes consent and respect. Content warnings let users decide what content they're ready to see. Using CW appropriately shows community awareness and respect.

Pro Tips

• Be specific: "politics" better than just "CW"
• Common topics: Politics, spoilers, mental health, food
• When in doubt: Add CW - better safe
• Instance culture: Some instances more CW-focused
• Media CW: Images/videos can be sensitive too
• Not censorship: Respecting viewer choice
• Community norms: Learn your instance's expectations
• Over-CW okay: Community prefers more than less
• Clear warnings: Descriptive CW text
• Respectful participation: Shows community awareness