TikTok Removes Controversial ‘Chubby’ Filter Amid Growing Concerns Over Body Image
TikTok, the popular social media platform, has taken a significant step by removing a controversial photo filter that altered users’ appearances to make them look heavier. This decision comes after widespread backlash from users who felt the filter promoted harmful beauty standards and body shaming.
The Filter’s Impact on Users
The “chubby filter” gained traction on TikTok through a series of videos where users would first post an unedited photo—typically of themselves as slim—and then apply the filter to make their bodies appear heavier. These videos often featured the song “Anxiety” by Doechii, adding a layer of emotional weight to the content.
As more users began sharing these videos, concerns grew about the implicit message being sent. Many users expressed frustration, with one commenting, “this trend is mean girl coded,” a sentiment that resonated with thousands of others. The comments section became a space for discussions around body image, self-worth, and the pressures of social media.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The filter sparked a wave of criticism from both users and organizations. Luna, a health and wellbeing app for teens, voiced its concerns, stating that the filter could promote “body shaming and unhealthy beauty standards.” This criticism was echoed by various TikTok creators, including sadiebass16, who highlighted the distressing nature of seeing others use the filter to mock bodies similar to their own.
Another creator, SaffsStuff, took the filter to task in a video that garnered over 100,000 views. In the video, they argued that the filter was not just a harmless trend but part of a larger issue related to diet culture and the normalization of unrealistic beauty standards on social media.
The Role of AI Filters in Shaping Perceptions
AI filters have become a staple on platforms like TikTok, with hundreds available for users to experiment with. While many are lighthearted, such as adding bunny ears or a dog nose, others have raised concerns about their impact on self-esteem and body image.
For instance, another filter that smooths out wrinkles and returns users to their teenage selves has been criticized for reinforcing ageist beauty norms. Similarly, the “chubby filter” has been seen as contributing to the perception that thinness equates to beauty, which can be damaging for many users.
Research supports these concerns. A small study from 2019 found a link between the use of social media filters and higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Additionally, a 2021 study from the Harvard Business Review suggested that individuals with high confidence in their looks may feel more unsettled when they see “improvements” to their faces than those with existing insecurities.
Company Response and Ongoing Monitoring
In response to the backlash, TikTok removed the “chubby filter” from its app. The company also stated it was reviewing videos that featured the filter, making them ineligible for recommendation and blocking them from teen accounts. However, some content still appeared on the desktop version of the app, indicating that the removal process was not entirely seamless.
TikTok clarified that the filter was uploaded by CapCut, a separate entity under the same parent company, ByteDance. Despite this, the company emphasized its commitment to addressing concerns about the impact of its features on users, particularly younger audiences.
Broader Implications for Social Media
This incident highlights the broader implications of social media’s role in shaping beauty standards and influencing self-perception. As platforms continue to introduce new filters and features, the responsibility to consider their potential effects on users becomes increasingly important.
TikTok’s decision to remove the “chubby filter” reflects a growing awareness of the need for more inclusive and positive representations of beauty. It also underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue between users, creators, and platform developers to ensure that social media remains a space that promotes self-acceptance and well-being.
As the conversation around body image and social media continues, it is clear that the impact of these digital tools extends far beyond mere entertainment. They have the power to shape perceptions, influence behavior, and affect mental health. With this in mind, it is crucial for platforms to remain vigilant and responsive to the needs and concerns of their users.
