TikTok, the popular social media app, recently launched a new Teenage filter, which has taken the platform by storm. The filter aims to transform users into their younger selves by smoothing out their skin and giving them a youthful appearance. While some TikTokers have found the filter to be a fun and emotional trip down memory lane, others have raised concerns about its impact on body image and the desire for elevated beauty standards. Here’s what you need to know about TikTok’s Teenage filter.
The Teenage filter has become a viral sensation on TikTok, with over one million users having already tried the filter. Users can access the filter by launching the TikTok app, tapping the magnifying glass icon, and searching for the #teenagefilter hashtag. Once users find the filter, they need to hit the ‘Use this effect’ button at the bottom of the TikTok filter page, which brings up TikTok’s camera page with the Teenage Look camera effect already applied. Users can then record their video and apply any desired tweaks.
While some TikTokers have found the filter to be a fun and emotional experience, others have raised concerns about its impact on body image. Instagram influencer Danae Mercer Ricci has spoken out against the filter, saying that it can allow for the same thing as photoshopping teenage faces onto women’s bodies, which can be dangerous. Danae has pointed out the dangers of such filters and how they can impact and distort the relationships we have with our bodies.
The accuracy of the Teenage filter has also been called into question, with some users commenting that it looks like a toddler’s face rather than a teenager’s. This issue has been raised by TikTokers who have used the filter and pointed out that it does not accurately portray a teenager’s appearance.
Despite the concerns raised by some TikTokers, others have found the filter to be therapeutic. Some TikTokers who identify as non-binary, trans, or fluid have used the filter to see what their true selves would have looked like as a teen, finding it to be a positive experience.
The harmful impact of social media filters is not new and has been spoken out by body confidence advocates. The Teenage filter’s popularity highlights the need for caution when using social media filters. While filters can be fun, it’s important to remember that what we see online isn’t necessarily a reflection of who we are, and filters can be deceptive. It’s important to educate ourselves and young people about online safety and be cautious about what we trust online.
TikTok’s Teenage filter has become a viral sensation, with over one million users having already tried the filter. While some TikTokers have found the filter to be a fun and emotional experience, others have raised concerns about its impact on body image and the desire for elevated beauty standards. The accuracy of the filter has also been called into question, with some users commenting that it looks like a toddler’s face rather than a teenager’s. With the popularity of social media filters, it’s important to remember that what we see online isn’t necessarily a reflection of who we are, and filters can be deceptive. It’s important to educate ourselves and young people about online safety and be cautious about what we trust online.
