[Indie'sOK]

Hi there,
Sorry to have another question...I don't mean to be a pest so please ignore this if you wish.

I was browsing through a thread today and came across an avatar with really bright, quickly flashing lights. I know these kinds of things are very triggering for people with sensory issues and can even cause some to go into seizures. Personally, they make me feel like I'm going to have a panic attack or pass out. If some of you recall, I posted a thread a few weeks ago describing what happened after I watched a particular Pokemon episode with really bad flashing lights. This was kind of the same situation.

My question is, why are flashing avatars like these allowed on the forum? Especially a forum like PsychCentral, where many of us have sensory difficulties and cannot tolerate flashing pictures?

Sorry if this comes across as rude...

[junkDNA]

hey,

idk. if ur talking about mine, i can change it no problem, but,

the frequency of the blinking is way too slow to induce a seizure.

[Indie'sOK]

Originally Posted by junkDNA

hey,

idk. if ur talking about mine, i can change it no problem, but,

the frequency of the blinking is way too slow to induce a seizure.

It wasn't yours specifically, don't worry
They might not induce a seizure, but people with sensory issues have a hard time with any sort of flashing light.

[lizardlady]

Indie, I don't think you were rude. You present a very good point about the avatars possibly triggering people. I know there are some that annoy me, but I never thought of them potentially triggering someone.

[shezbut]

I think you've asked a terrific Q, Indie'sOK.

I have a real problem with flashing lights and screens, due to my Epilepsy. As a result, I've quickly gotten to know the names of those with flashing avatars. I need to stay away from posts that they've been in. It really kind of stinks though!

[Travelinglady]

It hasn't occurred to me that mine might bother anybody. In fact, when I picked it, I didn't realize it would be doing that. I would appreciate it if folks would let me know if mine is bothersome, and if so, then I'll gladly find another one. I've had two different ones already, so I'm not married to any particular one.

Ha! Now I see the cat is only blinking its eyes. Sometimes it actually flashes! Strange....

I think this is a good point Indie - i hate really bright flashing gifs as they make my eyes hurt and induce headaches, im all for freedom of expression but there needs to be a little consideration for others i think...

[Indie'sOK]

Thanks everyone. This isn't to say that I personally think every avatar with movement should be banned. PAYNE, I think yours is fine, but others can always disagree. It's like, where do we know to draw the line? I think it becomes offensive when the entire image flashes.

[shezbut]

Originally Posted by Indie'sOK

It's like, where do we know to draw the line? I think it becomes offensive when the entire image flashes.

For me, it is the bright and frequent flashes of light that can induce seizures. Like: when firework finales go off ~ colors of explosive lights. Boom, boom, boom! That's what does it for me. I have to cover my eyes and look away completely. The avatars that change quickly, like a pulse rate, are difficult for me.

High contrast and bright colored animated avatars or signatures bother me and I don't even have a seizure disorder. My senses are acute so I tend to get overwhelmed easily.

Sometimes, I have to resize the window or cover the avatar/signature with another window.

Neutral colored and slow flashing ones don't bother me.

[DocJohn]

While we're happy to request members not use such flashing avatars, it's not so big a problem -- nor has it ever been -- that we're going to institute a rule about it.

If you know of a specific member's avatar you would like this request be forwarded to, I'll be happy to do it. Please PM me the member's name.

Thanks,
DocJohn

[googley]

If there is a particular member who's avatar bother's you you can put them on ignore. You wont be able to see their posts, but then you also wont see their avatar. I did that for on member's avatar who really bothered me (not quite sure why). This is another solution.