New research from Örebro University reveals that beauty filters on TikTok are contributing to negative self-image among young people. According to the study, which analyzed 67 TikTok videos with the hashtag #beautyfilter, these digital enhancements create unrealistic beauty standards that affect how young people perceive themselves.
The research was conducted by Lame Kenalemang-Palm, a university lecturer in journalism at Stockholm University, together with Göran Eriksson, professor of media and communication science at Örebro University. Kenalemang-Palm noted that the most surprising finding was how normalized the use of beauty filters has become, despite many users expressing concern or criticism about them.
Through comparing their natural faces with filtered versions, women begin to see themselves from the outside, through an external, judgmental gaze
"Through comparing their natural faces with filtered versions, women begin to see themselves from the outside, through an external, judgmental gaze," said Kenalemang-Palm. The study found that young people are exposed to beauty filters on TikTok and other social media daily, resulting in unhealthy beauty ideals and negative feelings about appearance.
Student Amanda Sparlund commented on the phenomenon, stating that it creates a skewed beauty ideal. The research highlights growing concerns about how digital filters may be shaping unrealistic expectations and contributing to body image issues among youth.