A recent trend on TikTok has stirred controversy as the so-called "chubby filter" manipulates users' appearances, making them appear overweight. The filter caught the attention of Nina, a 29-year-old from Bristol, when it appeared unexpectedly on her "For You" page. Despite having no previous engagement with weight-related content, Nina found the trend to be "immoral and insensitive."
The "chubby filter" employs artificial intelligence to alter a person's appearance, a practice not uncommon on TikTok. Many filters on the platform are designed by individuals unaffiliated with TikTok, including this controversial one. Some of the filter's associated videos have garnered tens of thousands of likes, indicating its widespread use. However, this popularity has not come without criticism.
Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, expressed her concerns about the trend, describing it as "a huge step backwards" in terms of weight stigma. She pointed out that such filters perpetuate harmful stereotypes about people with larger bodies.
"It's just the same old false stereotypes and tropes about people in larger bodies being lazy and flawed, and something to be desperately avoided," Dr. Beckett stated.
Several TikTok users have voiced their unease with the filter. The BBC reported that many individuals find it uncomfortable and damaging. Sadie, a prominent user with 66,000 followers, is among those advocating for the filter's removal, labeling it as "mean" and offensive.
"If a filter is clearly offensive it should be removed," Sadie insisted.
Sadie elaborated on how the filter contributes to an unhealthy narrative that associates a person's appearance with their self-worth. She emphasized the pressure it creates for individuals to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
"And it pressures everyone to conform to narrow beauty and health standards, rather than finding what works best for their own body – that causes harm to everyone, both in physical and mental health," Sadie noted.
The filter has ignited discussions about the broader implications of such digital tools on body image and self-esteem. Critics argue that these filters reinforce toxic beauty ideals and perpetuate weight discrimination. Nina echoed this sentiment by stating that society should be progressing beyond such harmful viewpoints.
"This is a toxic view that I thought we were moving away from," Nina remarked.
While TikTok has not yet made an official statement regarding the filter, the growing backlash may prompt the platform to reconsider its presence. As more users express their discomfort, there is an increasing call for TikTok to take action against filters that promote negative stereotypes.