TikTok is a popular social media platform that is meant to be a lot of fun, but recently, users have been raising the alarm about a couple of the app’s facial recognition filters. The filters in question are “Bold Glamour” and “Teenage Look” and many users feel that the two artificially alter their appearance to a point that it is intimidating and scary.
The Bold Glamour filter in particular has been widely criticized for darkening the eyes, turning skin to an overly porcelain color, and adding a sparkle effect to the face. Teenage Look is similarly unnerving, as it gives users the appearance of being 12 or 13. In both cases, many people say that they are not comfortable with their drastically altered face, and they find it a little unnerving to see themselves like this.
Although this technology has the potential to be fun, it has also been known to have eerie and sudden effects on people. According to experts, this type of facial recognition editing can potentially affect people’s self-esteem, as it puts an unrealistic standard of beauty that many people are unable to achieve. It’s also important to note that both filters are only available in certain countries, which is seen by some as a form of censorship.
In response to this criticism, TikTok has removed both the Bold Glamour and Teenage Look filters from its app. The company has also promised that it will continue to build its filters with respect for its user’s comfort and security. But for now, many users are still wary of the consequences of facial recognition editing and are thankful that these filters have been taken off of the app.
