What is online touch trigger (TT) and why it's harmful
Notes: This contains triggering topics such as SA. This text does not apply to touch discomfort. Feel free to steal this Rentry for any usage. I do not condone any harassment or threats towards any online 'TT' havers. Respect boundaries and instead spread awareness!
What is TT?: The real word for the concept is Haphephobia. The term touch trigger is not actually used in medicine and was created online. It is an intense fear of being physically touched or touching others. It can cause the following symptoms: Anxiety, panic attacks, physical pain, vomiting, fainting, hyperventilation, dissociation, and more. It is generally caused by previous traumatic events such as sexual abuse.
Haphephobia is always severe and is not selective, meaning you cannot choose who triggers you and who doesn't. There is no cure, however therapy is available to help deal with the phobia. If your 'TT' only applies to strangers, or you consider it 'mild' then it is not Haphephobia.
What is phantom touch?:It is when a person can detect pain or other tactile sensations when there isn't. Here it applies to where you are touched virtually and can feel it in real life therefore triggering you. however this only applies to realistic 3D VR games.
Conclusion
If you think you have online touch trigger, please review your symptoms and consider calling it touch discomfort. You are taking away the seriousness and importance of IRL disorders that people are already struggling to be taken seriously. It is a real & genuine medically recognized illness that people deal with everyday. It is not just some online funny quirk to make you trendy and different. Always consult to a medical professional if in doubt.