Tik Tok’s Toll on Young People’s Body Image
Trigger Warning: Mention of EDs
Art by Frankie Fanelli
Tik Tok is a social media platform that allows users to upload and edit video content. The app is designed to promote creativity and entertainment, but creators have found themselves falling down some dark rabbit holes.
Almost 41% of Tik Tok’s users are under the age of twenty-five, an age range where self image develops most rapidly. A teen’s self-worth can be highly impacted by the media they consume and, as Tik Tok’s user base grows exponentially, more and more young people are joining the app. And, in an attempt to stand out amidst the masses of creators and get on Tik Tok’s “For You Page”, teens and young adults compete to be the best-dressed, well-liked, and most attractive. Influencers create trends in order to gain views and likes on the app, finding their niche or best qualities to display. This competition among users has created an issue for Tik Tok. A body image issue.
Only the Pretty Go Viral
Tik Tok users often find themselves viewing very simple videos. These sorts of videos do not feature trends, but are popular because of their subjects. While often gifted in other areas as well, numerous influencers have become popular because they look a certain way. The most popular creator on the app, Charlie D’amelio, gained her 105.5 million followers by dancing, dressing well, and… frankly, fitting a beauty standard.
Many young users strive to fit these same beauty standards. In fact, numerous videos have gone viral on Tik Tok because of shared disdain over not fitting such standards. One post, by user @wannabehippiebarbie explains, “i wish i was pretty enough to go viral for doing nothing”.
However, these beauty standards mainly feature Eurocentric attributes. For many, they are completely unattainable. For those who find fame, the appearance is kept up with filters and strategic angles. For all, beauty is present with or without Eurocentric features. But, young users find themselves watching Tik Tok trends that tell them otherwise.
Trends that Highlight Eurocentric Features
One of the biggest trends of the past year featured “before and after” videos of people who had invested in rhinoplasties. Unsatisfied with their genetic noses (which often did not fit a white or European likeness), users took to Tik Tok to share their new faces. While there is nothing wrong with improvement of self-image through surgical means, the trend got a little out of hand. So desperate for Eurocentric features, many young users began looking for cheap ways to change their noses. Trends of Tik Tok users checking their faces for signs of deviated septums began to go viral, as such a condition would force insurance companies to cover an individual’s reconstructive surgery.
Another trend encouraged creators to reveal their side-profile. While the videos posted consisted of all kinds of ethnic beauty and confident users, there was a trend in those that gained the most attention. For the most part, those with button noses and defined jawlines were rewarded with likes and admiration. Those with less Eurocentric features got less views, despite their genetics being equally unique and bewitching.
The worst of all Eurocentric trends, though: the “Golden Retriever Boys”. The group of young men consists only of white blondes that supposedly resemble Golden Retriever dogs. Those of different races and genders, or even without the desired features, are not permitted to be featured on their Tik Tok account. Still, somehow, the “Golden Retriever Boys” gained massive media attention and hold a platform of over 220 thousand followers solely on the basis of their whiteness and blondeness.
Tik Tok is Aware of Its Issue and Releases Statement
Tik Tok’s image issue is no secret. Among issues with Eurocentric beauty standard, Tik Tok seems to also feature specific bodies and styles. And, the platform is aware of it.
Tik Tok released a statement condemning Diet Culture, as well as assuring its user base that changes would be made to limit dangerous content. The list of changes included:
1. Weight management product can only reach users age 18+
2. Stronger restrictions on weight loss and implied weight loss claims
3. Further restrictions to limit irresponsible claims made by products that promote weight loss management or control
4. Ads promoting weight loss and weight management products or services cannot promote a negative body image or negative relationship with food
The app also announced partnerships with the National Eating Disorder Association and its support of the organization’s Weight Stigma Awareness Week. While a step in the right direction, Tik Tok still maintains a massive user base that is hard to oversee entirely.
Creators Fighting This Problem
Luckily for the platform, there are plenty of amazing creators on Tik Tok that have taken the issue into their own hands. Teens an adults from a multitude of different countries have addressed their own issues with body image, as well as used their platforms to promote healthy and normal bodies.
Among these creators are Denise Mercedes and Maria Castellanos, Kendra Austin, Sam Paige, and Lauren Talulah.
Denise Mercedes and Maria Castellanos are two best friends who sparked the #stylenotsize movement with their fashion videos. Despite wearing different sizes, the two set out to create looks that looked beautiful on all body types - showing the world that you can be stylish no matter your size. While the videos began as a fun project, the women have gained a massive following and have created some incredible looks.
Kendra Austin is another incredible advocate supported by the platform. Austin uses her page to destigmatize the term “fat”, as well as shed light on harmful rhetoric and practices in the modelling industry. Many of her videos are centered around being “healthy” and how this can be achieved at any size, as well as addressing her own struggles with body dysmorphia. And, of course, she radiates confidence!
Sam Paige is another Tik Tok creator that oozes “bad b#tch!”. Paige posts dancing videos, demonstrating the abilities of women of all sizes. It is a common misconception that larger women are not capable of some physical activities, but Paige dispels this rumor in every way.
Lauren Talulah is another fashion vlogger that defies the industry’s beauty standards. Talulah serves classy looks and, as stated in her bio on Tik Tok, is always “giving insecurities the middle finger”. Her page also features videos of the delicious food she eats, encouraging viewers to eat regularly and for pleasure.
While Tik Tok still has a multitude of issues to address, and teens are certainly susceptible to harmful trends, the platform is incredibly lucky to have these kinds of creators. Without men and women providing a body-positive presence, the platform would be missing out!
