TikTok faces backlash over a new filter that mimics blackface by altering users’ skin tones, raising concerns about discriminatory practices. Content creators criticize the “If I were black” filter, equating it to digital blackface. Experts emphasize the harmful impact of such filters on mental health and body image, especially following the controversial “chubby filter.” In response to these issues, TikTok plans to ban beauty filters for minors, aiming to protect young users’ mental well-being.
Emerging Controversies: Discriminatory Filters on TikTok
Following the recent uproar over the “chubby filter,” TikTok is now at the center of controversy again due to a new filter that mimics the damaging practices of blackface by altering users’ skin tones. This trend raises serious questions about the potential rise of discriminatory filters on the platform.
Content creator Sid calls attention to this issue in a TikTok video, questioning whether creating such harmful filters has become a job for some. The latest filter, titled “If I were black,” allows users to digitally darken their skin and hair, leading many to label it as a form of digital blackface. Numerous creators have condemned the filter, emphasizing that skin color should not be treated as a costume or a mere effect.
Laurence Grondin-Robillard, an associate professor at UQAM’s School of Media, poses a critical observation: if Justin Trudeau’s blackface was deemed unacceptable, why should a filter that alters skin color be seen any differently? “This trend can undoubtedly shape the perspectives of young individuals,” she warns, highlighting the importance of sensitivity around such topics.
The Impact of Controversial Filters on Mental Health
Last week, the “chubby filter,” which made users appear heavier, ignited discussions about body image and mental health. This filter, powered by artificial intelligence, allowed individuals to visualize what they might look like with added weight. Videos showcasing these transformations often garnered thousands of likes, propagating a troubling message: the idea of gaining weight is inherently negative and should be avoided at all costs.
In tandem with the “chubby” filter, a “slimming” filter emerged, allowing users to see themselves as slimmer, further complicating the narrative around body image. “We’re witnessing a shift from the playful dog ears and mouse snouts of the past to more serious and potentially harmful trends,” notes Professor Grondin-Robillard, suggesting that the current political climate may be influencing the loosening of content regulations on platforms like TikTok.
While TikTok has removed the controversial filters, videos promoting them continue to circulate. The expert points out that these harmful trends are not new. A 2021 internal study from Facebook, revealed by whistleblower Frances Haugen, highlighted the detrimental effects of Instagram on teenage girls’ mental health, with many reporting feelings of inadequacy and a decline in self-esteem due to constant comparisons.
In response to these concerns, TikTok announced a ban on beauty filters for minors on November 27, aiming to safeguard the mental well-being of young users. This decision stems from numerous testimonies from teenage girls who expressed feeling “ugly” after using filters excessively.