TikTok has withdrawn a controversial filter that allowed users to alter their photos to make themselves look heavier. Each AI-filtered video on the app follows the same pattern. It starts with an unedited photo of the user—usually slim—before the “chubby filter” trickles down the screen, altering the subject’s physique, while the song “Anxiety” by American rapper and singer-songwriter Doechii plays. As more and more of these videos appeared, a backlash built from users concerned about an implicit body-shaming message. People began commenting on them—“this trend is mean girl coded,” wrote one user, whose comment received more than 5,000 likes. TikToker sadiebass16 said in a video: “Imagine you’re just trying to exist on this app and you see thousands of people using an AI filter to have a body that looks like your body, shaming it and all the comments being like ‘ugh, imagine.’ A lot of people can imagine.” Luna, a health and wellbeing app for teens, also criticized the filter for promoting “body shaming and unhealthy beauty standards.” CNN has reached out to TikTok for comment. The company told the BBC it had removed the filter from its app and that it was reviewing videos that featured the filter, making them ineligible for recommendation and blocking them from teen accounts. TikTok added that the filter was uploaded by a company called CapCut, which is a separate entity but has the same parent company, ByteDance. A search Monday morning for “chubby filter” brought up no results on the phone app. However, a search on the desktop version still threw up some content. There are hundreds of filters on TikTok, and many are harmless—for example, adding bunny ears or a dog nose to a face. However, the app’s beauty filters have been widely criticized as damaging to users’ self-esteem. One such filter smoothes out wrinkles, supposedly returning users to their teenage selves but potentially playing into ageist beauty tropes. The chubby filter, critics say, reinforces the widely perceived connection between beauty and thinness. A TikToker who posts under the name SaffsStuff took the filter to task in a video that has received more than 100,000 views: “I don’t think it’s funny, I don’t think it’s light-hearted. I think it’s part of this bigger problem of diet culture and heroin chic really becoming a proper, proper trend on social media at the moment.” One small study from 2019 linked the use of social media filters with higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery, while researchers from Harvard Business Review found in 2021 that people with high confidence in their looks can actually be more unsettled by seeing “improvements” to their face than those who already had insecurities. TikTok announced last November that children under the age of 18 would no longer have access to beauty filters following a report it commissioned that investigated the impact of these effects on young people.
TikTok withdraws controversial ‘chubby’ filter
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"TikTok Removes 'Chubby' Filter Amid Body-Shaming Concerns"
CNN
8.7
TruthLens AI Summary
TikTok has recently withdrawn a controversial filter that allowed users to modify their appearance to look heavier, sparking significant backlash from users who raised concerns about body shaming. The filter, which was showcased in videos where an unedited photo of a user was transformed into a heavier version accompanied by the song 'Anxiety' by Doechii, received criticism for promoting unhealthy beauty standards. Many users voiced their discomfort, with comments highlighting the mean-spirited nature of the trend and how it perpetuated negative perceptions of body image. Critics, including the health and wellbeing app Luna, pointed out that such filters contribute to a culture of body shaming, especially among young people. Users like TikToker sadiebass16 expressed frustration over the normalization of using AI filters to mock or shame bodies that resemble theirs, stating that it makes it difficult to simply exist on the platform without feeling judged or ridiculed.
In response to the growing criticism, TikTok announced that it had removed the filter and was reviewing videos that featured it, making them ineligible for recommendations and restricting access on teen accounts. The filter was developed by CapCut, a separate company under the same parent organization, ByteDance. While TikTok has a variety of filters, many of which are harmless, the beauty filters have come under scrutiny for their potential to harm users' self-esteem. Previous studies have linked the use of social media filters to increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery and highlighted the unsettling effects that these altered images can have on individuals' perceptions of their own beauty. In November, TikTok had already taken steps to restrict beauty filters for users under 18 after a report examined the negative impacts of such effects on young audiences. The recent removal of the chubby filter indicates a growing recognition of the need to address the implications of digital alterations on body image and mental health.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an insight into TikTok's recent decision to remove a controversial "chubby" filter after users raised concerns about body shaming and unhealthy beauty standards. This situation highlights the ongoing debate regarding social media's influence on body image and self-esteem, particularly among younger audiences.
Public Response and Social Concerns
The backlash against the filter indicates a growing awareness and sensitivity towards body positivity and the potential harm caused by social media platforms. Users expressed their discomfort, suggesting that the filter perpetuated negative stereotypes and reinforced harmful comparisons. Comments such as “this trend is mean girl coded” reveal a collective frustration towards content that can contribute to body shaming. The involvement of organizations like Luna, which focuses on teen health, further emphasizes the societal implications of such digital tools.
TikTok's Corporate Responsibility
In response to the backlash, TikTok has acted swiftly by removing the filter and reviewing related content. This decision reflects an understanding of its responsibility towards its community, particularly its younger users. The acknowledgment that the filter was developed by CapCut, a separate entity under the same parent company, ByteDance, raises questions about accountability in the tech industry. It suggests that even if the filter originated from an external source, TikTok still bears the responsibility for the implications of such features on its platform.
Impact on Body Image Discussions
This incident contributes to the ongoing discourse regarding digital beauty standards and their consequences on self-esteem. Filters that modify appearance can distort users’ perceptions of reality, leading to dissatisfaction with their bodies. The removal of the chubby filter may signal a shift towards more responsible content creation practices among social media companies, potentially influencing how filters are designed and implemented in the future.
Connection to Broader Issues
The article connects to broader societal issues, including mental health and the impact of digital media on youth. By addressing the controversy surrounding the filter, it highlights the need for more thoughtful engagement with technology and its effects on users' self-image. This issue resonates with various communities advocating for body positivity and mental health awareness, suggesting that there is significant support for initiatives aimed at promoting healthier standards.
Market and Economic Implications
While the news primarily focuses on social issues, it could also have implications for TikTok's market positioning. As the platform faces scrutiny and potential regulatory challenges regarding user safety and well-being, its reputation could be impacted. Investors may pay closer attention to how TikTok manages its content and user engagement strategies, particularly in relation to mental health concerns.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The article appears credible, providing a balanced view of the situation without sensationalizing the issue. It includes direct quotes from users and references to organizations that advocate for mental health, which adds to its reliability. The focus on corporate accountability and user feedback indicates a commitment to presenting the matter with nuance.
In summary, the removal of the "chubby" filter by TikTok reflects a growing awareness of the potential harm caused by social media on body image and mental health. It suggests a shift towards more responsible practices in digital content creation, resonating with communities advocating for body positivity and mental well-being.