New research from Örebro University indicates that beauty filters on TikTok lead many young people to become more critical of their natural appearance. According to the study, which analyzed 67 videos under the #beautyfilter hashtag, the use of these filters reinforces self-objectification among users.
Lame Kenalemang-Palm, a university lecturer in journalism who conducted the study, explained that "the use of beauty filters strengthens self-objectification. By comparing their natural faces with filtered versions, women begin to see themselves from the outside, through a judging gaze."
the use of beauty filters strengthens self-objectification. By comparing their natural faces with filtered versions, women begin to see themselves from the outside, through a judging gaze.
The results show that filters cause many to become more critical of their own appearance and feel that their natural looks are insufficient. Students interviewed for the report expressed similar concerns, with Frida Hansén stating that filters "set up an unrealistic picture of how one should look."
Freja Gustafsson, another student, acknowledged comparing her appearance with filtered versions, saying "It has happened many times. You don't feel as pretty then. You start focusing on everything you're dissatisfied with and everything you want to change, instead of seeing what's beautiful about yourself."
set up an unrealistic picture of how one should look.
It has happened many times. You don't feel as pretty then. You start focusing on everything you're dissatisfied with and everything you want to change, instead of seeing what's beautiful about yourself.