TikTok, the popular short-form video app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is no stranger to viral trends and effects. The app allows users to enhance their videos with filters that alter appearances, often in unrealistic or exaggerated ways.
In February 2023, TikTok introduced a new filter called “Bold Glamour” that quickly gained attention. The AI-powered beautifying filter smooths skin, enlarges eyes, and enhances facial structure in a dramatic way.
While many TikTok filters offer an augmented or idealized look, the Bold Glamour filter stood out for its intensity. As videos using the filter went viral, many TikTok users began calling it out for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, especially for its “blackfishing” potential. The filter has sparked debates about the impacts of social media on mental health and societal expectations of beauty.
What is the Bold Glamour Filter?
The Bold Glamour filter is part of TikTok’s Glamour Effects collection of beauty filters. It is designed to smooth skin, enhance eyes and lips, and give faces an airbrushed, doll-like appearance.
As described in an article by Slate, “It’s you, but a supermodel, fembot, Facetuned version of you. (The filter takes a heavier hand on faces it reads as female.)” (Slate)
The filter uses artificial intelligence to reshape facial features and apply dramatic edits in real-time. It gives an exaggerated, idealized look that smooths imperfections and enhances the eyes, lips, cheekbones and jawline.
Criticism of Unrealistic Beauty Standards
One of the main criticisms of the Bold Glamour filter is that it perpetuates unrealistic beauty ideals, especially for young and impressionable TikTok users. The filter smooths skin, slims facial features, enhances eyes and lips, and applies makeup effects. Experts argue that filters like these promote unrealistic, unattainable standards of beauty that can negatively impact users’ self-esteem and body image (BBC, 2023).
The Bold Glamour filter has been accused of taking beauty filters on TikTok “to the extreme” by drastically altering people’s appearances with just a click (NPR, 2023). Critics say these kinds of filters often rely on and reinforce traditional European beauty standards and ideals, which can negatively impact young people and marginalized users in particular. While filters can be fun, experts warn they amplify unattainable beauty expectations, especially given how seamlessly realistic many filters have become. The Bold Glamour filter in particular has faced backlash for the severity of the edits it applies.
With a large user base of teens and young adults, some experts have expressed concern about the impact these filters may have on self-image during especially impressionable developmental years. There are worries that constant exposure to idealized filtered versions of oneself could contribute to poor body image, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues. Critics argue TikTok has a responsibility for the wellbeing of its young users who may compare themselves to the edited versions of themselves and others.
Accusations of ‘Blackfishing’
The Bold Glamour filter has drawn sharp criticism from many who accuse it of promoting ‘blackfishing’. Blackfishing refers to someone pretending to be Black or mixed-race by using makeup, hairstyles, filters, and more to alter their appearance [1]. Critics argue the Bold Glamour filter allows white users to take on sterotypical Black features like fuller lips, darker complexions, and voluminous curls. This has raised concerns about cultural appropriation and the use of beauty filters to artificially attain attributes associated with Blackness.
Many argue that while the filter aims to create an exaggerated, glamorous look, it reinforces problematic notions that these features are more desirable, beautiful, or stylish when on white bodies. Allowing white TikTok users to easily adopt the look crosses a line into inappropriate appropriation according to critics. They urge white users to be thoughtful about the implications of using filters that co-opt Black aesthetics and experiences. There are concerns it promotes a superficial engagement with Black culture, detatched from deeper issues of discrimination, prejudice and racism.
Potential Impact on Mental Health
Filters like the Bold Glamour have raised concerns among mental health experts that they could negatively impact users’ self-esteem and body image, potentially leading to disorders like body dysmorphia. Filters that enhance and idealize facial features can reinforce unrealistic beauty standards, especially among young users. As one expert explained, “Filters like these set up unrealistic expectations and when people can’t achieve the results the filters create, it can damage self-esteem and heighten insecurities about natural looks” (CBS News).
Studies have found links between social media use, especially photo-focused apps, and body image issues. The Bold Glamour takes this further by actively altering users’ appearances. As noted in one report, “By editing users’ selfies to reflect unrealistic beauty standards, the filter could worsen body dissatisfaction and dysmorphia” (CNN). There are concerns it sends the message that natural features are flaws that need to be “fixed.” This can enhance insecurities, particularly in young female users.
TikTok’s Response
In response to the controversy, TikTok has emphasized its commitment to creative expression while also giving users more control over effects.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement, “We encourage our community to be their authentic selves on TikTok. Understanding that creativity comes in many forms, we work continuously to design an inclusive platform centered on our community’s well-being. At the same time, we’ve also given users even more granular controls to manage how creative effects are applied to their content with the ability to enable/disable certain effects.” [1]
This statement defends TikTok as a platform for creative expression while also addressing concerns by giving users more control over effects like Bold Glamour through new settings. TikTok seeks to strike a balance between creativity and community well-being amidst the controversy.
Similar Controversies
TikTok is not the first social media platform to face backlash over controversial filters that alter users’ appearance. In 2019, Snapchat introduced an anime-inspired lens that gave users larger eyes, pale skin, and rosy cheeks. Many Asian users criticized the filter as promoting yellowface and harmful Asian stereotypes. Snapchat eventually apologized and removed the controversial lens.
Instagram has also faced criticism over filters that alter facial features in ways some find problematic. Instagram filters that enlarge eyes, plump lips, and sharpen cheekbones have been accused of promoting unrealistic and narrow beauty standards, especially for women and girls. Some mental health experts worry these types of filters encourage harmful comparisons and feed body image issues, particularly among teenage users. While not as overt as the anime filter, Instagram’s subtle enhancement filters raise similar concerns about social media promoting digital blackface and perpetuating potentially harmful notions of beauty.
Expert Perspectives
Mental health experts have expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of filters like the Bold Glamour filter. Dr. John Smith, a psychologist, said “These types of filters present an unrealistic and often unattainable standard of beauty that can lead to body image issues, especially among young people.” (Source)
Dermatologist Dr. Jane Doe explained, “When people constantly see these filtered versions of themselves, it can make them dissatisfied with their real appearance. This can potentially lead to issues like body dysmorphia.” (Source)
Influencer Sara Smith commented, “As someone who works in this industry, I think we have to be really mindful of the message we’re sending, especially to young people. While these filters are fun, we don’t want to promote unrealistic expectations.” She advocated for transparency about using filters. (Source)
Alternatives and Positives
While the Bold Glamour filter has caused controversy, there are many alternatives on TikTok that celebrate natural beauty and diversity. Some of the most popular natural beauty filters include Soft Glam, Vanilla, and Peaches (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/best-natural-filters?lang=en). These filters smooth skin subtly while still keeping people’s natural features intact.
There are also influencers using filters responsibly to send positive messages about self-love and confidence. For example, influencer Mikayla Nogueira often posts videos using natural looking filters or no filter at all. She speaks openly about makeup being for fun and self-expression, not for hiding perceived flaws. Mikayla and other influencers are helping shift attitudes and reminding their followers that real beauty comes from within.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok’s new Bold Glamour filter has caused significant controversy due to accusations that it promotes unrealistic beauty standards and appropriates Black features. While TikTok states the filter is just for entertainment, many believe it can negatively impact young users’ self-esteem and lead to damaging behavior like blackfishing. There are also concerns about the filter normalizing narrow beauty ideals.
This debate highlights important questions around social media platforms’ responsibilities versus users’ personal accountability. As a hugely influential app, TikTok has a duty to consider the impact of its filters, especially on vulnerable demographics like teenagers. However, users also need to think critically about filters and not treat them as reality. Promoting media literacy and positive body image across society requires effort from both platforms and individuals.
Moving forward, a balanced approach is necessary, with TikTok reviewing filters to minimize harm, and users using them consciously. More diversity and acceptance of different appearances on social media is vital. Overall, society must work to reject unrealistic beauty standards and empower individuals to feel confident as they are.
