A recent study conducted by Örebro University analyzes the effects of TikTok beauty filters on young women, revealing that these filters significantly alter not only the appearance of the images but also how individuals evaluate their own looks. Professor Göran Eriksson highlights that these filters create distorted and unrealistic beauty ideals, placing immense pressure on young women to conform to these unattainable standards. Many users express a desire to resemble these filtered appearances, which further perpetuates the cycle of self-criticism and comparison among peers.

The study examined 67 TikTok videos tagged with "beautyfilter" that demonstrate various beauty filters, such as those that smooth skin or add makeup. Some TikTok users share tutorials on how to mimic these filtered looks, underlining the growing obsession with achieving perfection as portrayed through these digital enhancements. This trend raises concerns regarding mental health and the self-image of young women, as they increasingly rely on these filters as a benchmark for their beauty.

Overall, the findings suggest a pressing need for awareness and discussions around the implications of such filters on self-esteem and societal beauty standards. Researchers emphasize the importance of promoting realistic and diverse representations of beauty, encouraging young women to embrace their natural appearances rather than striving for the often-unattainable ideals created by social media filters.