Associations between TikTok facial filter use and body image variables

Abstract

Research has found social media use to be associated with body image concerns. Face-altering filters may negatively impact appearance-related perceptions and cognitions. As no known study has examined these filters within TikTok, the present study investigated the relationship between TikTok facial filter use, facial dissatisfaction, and body image concern. Participants (N = 397) were undergraduate students reporting TikTok use in the past 2 weeks. Eligible participants completed a battery of surveys relating to social media use and body image. Linear regressions were conducted to examine the association between TikTok facial filter use (appearance-enhancing and goofy filters) and body image outcomes. Significant positive associations were found between both types of filter use and all body image outcomes. However, when both types of filter use were included in the same regression models, appearance-improving filter use remained significant while goofy filter use became non-significant. This is one of the first studies to examine facial filter use and the first to examine this behavior in the context of TikTok. Future researchers should aim to examine these constructs in experimental and/or longitudinal designs to identify temporal ordering of filter usage and body image outcomes to further understanding of this behavior.