Social media has transformed how we connect, express ourselves and perceive the world. But for all its positives, it’s also a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to mental health and body image.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made beauty filters ubiquitous, creating a culture where polished, unattainable standards of appearance are the norm.
The impact on teenagers, particularly girls, has been profound, with rising cases of anxiety, low self-esteem and body dysmorphia, linked to these tools.
When was the last time you posted a photo or went live on TikTok without a filter? For many, it’s rare or non-existent. The allure of looking “perfect” online has become deeply ingrained, but at what cost?
As one person aptly put it, “I’m investing in myself wholeheartedly and holistically because sadly I don’t walk around with filters and beauty apps on my face.”
This quote underscores a growing realisation: real life doesn’t come with a beauty filter, and neither should our self-worth.
Beauty filters on social media platforms allow users to smooth their skin, plump their lips, and enlarge their eyes with a single swipe.
Filters like TikTok’s infamous “Bold Glamour” create hyper-realistic versions of users’ faces, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
While these features can be fun and creative, they’ve also been linked to harmful psychological effects.
According to reports by “The Guardian”, many teenagers, after using these filters, feel their natural faces are unattractive. This phenomenon, dubbed “Zoom Dysmorphia” during the pandemic, describes how constant exposure to idealised versions of oneself or others can distort self-image.
The issue extends beyond personal dissatisfaction — it fuels an industry of cosmetic surgery and skincare products promising to make "filtered beauty" a reality.
TikTok takes action: Restrictions on beauty filters
Recognising the growing mental health risks, TikTok recently announced new restrictions on the use of beauty filters for users under the age of 18.
These changes, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks, aim to prevent teenagers from artificially altering their features in ways that make-up cannot achieve.
Filters that enhance physical features, such as plumping lips or changing skin tone, will be blocked for underage users. However, fun filters like adding bunny ears or dog noses will remain unaffected.
The platform is also tightening its systems to block users under 13 entirely, implementing machine-learning technology to detect users who falsify their age. While this move is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness remains to be seen.
According to Ofcom, TikTok removed 20 million accounts worldwide last quarter for being underage, but the regulator still questions how well these measures work.
Why beauty filters are problematic for mental health
The widespread use of beauty filters has been linked to rising rates of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental health condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance.
According to a study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, exposure to filtered images on social media contributes to unrealistic beauty standards and body dissatisfaction, particularly among young people.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable. Social media platforms are often their primary space for self-expression and social interaction, but the curated, filtered content they consume can distort their perception of reality.
A 2022 survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 46% of teenagers felt that social media made them feel worse about their appearance, with girls disproportionately affected.
For some, the effects of beauty filters extend beyond low self-esteem. Studies show that excessive use of filters can lead to anxiety, depression, and even social withdrawal, as individuals feel they cannot match the idealised versions of themselves they present online.
This creates a vicious cycle: the more they rely on filters, the less confident they feel without them.
The role of social media companies
The changes announced by TikTok are part of a broader trend among social media platforms to prioritise online safety.
Meta, which owns Instagram, recently introduced “teen accounts” to give parents more control over their children’s activity, including restricting usage at night-time.
These initiatives align with the upcoming Online Safety Act in the UK, which will enforce stricter regulations on underage social media use and age verification.
However, experts argue that more needs to be done. Richard Collard, Associate Head of Policy for Child Safety Online at the NSPCC, has called for other platforms to follow TikTok’s lead in creating age-appropriate experiences.
“Ofcom and the government also have an important role to play in compelling tech bosses to deliver age-appropriate experiences for all their users,” he said.
What can we do as individuals?
Go filter-free: Challenge yourself to post unfiltered photos or go live without beauty filters. Normalise showing up as your authentic self.
Talk about it: Have open conversations with friends, family, or children about the impact of beauty filters. Encourage critical thinking about what they see online.
Support mental health: If you or someone you know is struggling with body image issues, seek professional help. Organisations like the Mental Health Foundation and Mind offer resources for those in need.