the nsfw scale: the internet's rating system

around the internet, i only ever see one set of four characters tag unsafe content: nsfw. which, yeah, i get it, it's a common tag that people understand as "this content isn't safe to view outside of privacy." however, it leaves a lot of ambiguity on the table, and the term "nsfw" can change from community to community. what may be perfectly safe in one community may be punishable in others.

the goal with the nsfw scale is to give the internet a better way to rate content, to explain what contexts content should be viewed in. most people should have generally the same idea when it comes to these descriptions.

type 0: safe for all (sfa)

this content is perfectly safe to view in any context and by any viewer. the content itself may warrant other warnings based on certain triggers that may be included, but overall can be viewed by a general audience just fine.

content may include:

  • wholesome, family-friendly content (what would be rated g in theaters or e in the video gaming world)
  • content that's slightly more risky but still safe (pg in theaters, e10+ in gaming)
  • depending on where you're at, pg-13 / t rated content would be put in here as well, however some communities may wish to mark this nsfw.

type 1: not safe for work (nsfw)

this content would generally not be safe to view in a formal context (such as a workplace, academic area, or other). you may be somewhat fine in other areas (as long as people are following the "mind yo damn business" rule). this content should probably also be kept away from young children.

content may include:

  • profanity, and a lot of it.
  • mildly suggestive content
  • shock content
  • generally, r in theaters and m in gaming.

type 2: not safe for public (nsfp)

this content would not be safe to view out in public at all, mostly due to risque nature. if someone sees you with this content out in public, they'll probably call you the hell out on it. likewise, this content should not be viewed by any minor.

content may include:

  • sexual content
  • minor gore
  • this content probably meets nc-17 in theater / ao in gaming ratings.

type 3: not safe for life (nsfl)

this content should most likely not be viewed at all. this content is dangerous at best and illegal at worst. you probably shouldn't have this content, let alone share it.

content may include:

  • major gore
  • sex abuse material
  • child abuse content
  • i don't even have theater/gaming analogs for this one since this content is so immoral it would never be broadcast over those channels.

additional notes

please don't use this scale as an excuse to not include other content warnings. in fact, it's still better to describe what's behind the click using a cw in front of your post. only use this as shorthand, not as the only line of protection between a curious viewer and triggering content.

Edit Report
Pub: 26 Jul 2024 03:34 UTC
Edit: 26 Jul 2024 03:42 UTC
Views: 62