TikTok Implements Restrictions on Cosmetic Surgery Filters for Users Under 18
TikTok has announced new global restrictions on filters that mimic cosmetic surgery effects, specifically targeting users under the age of 18. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of beauty filters on self-esteem, particularly among younger users. The platform revealed the new guidelines following research that showed many teenage girls experience a decline in self-worth as a result of using these filters.
Research on Beauty Filters and Self-Esteem
A study conducted across the UK, US, and other countries surveyed nearly 200 teenagers and their parents. The findings suggest that young girls are especially vulnerable to low self-esteem when comparing their natural appearance with filtered images on social media. As beauty filters become more widespread, platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are increasingly being scrutinized for their potential to distort perceptions of beauty.
Filters that alter features such as nose shape, skin tone, and lip size are among the most common. However, experts are concerned that filters designed to simulate cosmetic surgery can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards.
Expert Concerns on Mental Health
Prof Sonia Livingstone, a social psychologist at the London School of Economics, has warned that the social pressures created by these filters could have a more significant impact on mental health than exposure to violent content. A 2022 study found that teens who frequently used beauty filters were more likely to consider cosmetic surgery to correct perceived flaws.
Ongoing Challenges and Debate
Despite TikTok’s efforts to regulate these filters, challenges remain. Many young users manage to bypass age restrictions by providing false information about their age. It is expected that stricter age verification measures will not be fully implemented until next year. Some digital artists and social media users argue that filters are an important tool for self-expression in the digital age.
Industry Response and Future Considerations
While platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have taken steps to address concerns by consulting with mental health experts and removing certain filters, the debate continues. There is growing consensus that more research is needed to fully understand the social and psychological consequences of these technologies. Whether restrictions on filters will be sufficient to mitigate their impact on young users’ mental health remains an ongoing issue.
