"This is my true self, funny right?"... TikTok finally deletes 'Tongtong Filter' amid appearance shaming controversy

Controversy Over "Chubby Filter" on TikTok
Platform Suspends Use After Accusations of Body Shaming

The 'chubby filter' on TikTok, which sparked controversy over 'body shaming' (the act of criticizing and judging others' body shapes or appearances), has been removed. The chubby filter is a correction effect that makes users appear to have gained weight, and on TikTok, content showing before-and-after using this filter became popular.

TikTok has removed the 'Chubby Filter,' which sparked controversy over 'body shaming' (the act of criticizing and judging others' body shapes or appearances). The photo shows before and after using the Chubby Filter. Photo by BBC

According to a recent BBC report, TikTok stated, "We are reviewing videos uploaded using this effect," and "We will stop recommending these videos and block them on teenage accounts." They added, "Videos that violate community guidelines, such as those containing bullying or harassment, will be deleted."

This is interpreted as a response to the strong backlash from TikTok users regarding the chubby filter. On the 21st (local time), BBC reported that a movement to ban the 'chubby filter' is emerging.

BBC conveyed, "Many people joke about how different they look by sharing before-and-after images on the platform, but some say this is a form of 'appearance shaming' and should not be allowed."

In particular, Saedi, who has about 66,000 TikTok followers, argued that as the chubby filter became popular, some women are being mocked for their body shapes and that the use of this filter should be banned.

Experts also pointed out that this filter encourages harmful diet culture. Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, criticized, "(The popularity of the chubby filter) deepens weight stigma, which is discrimination against people based on weight and body shape," adding, "It pressures everyone to conform to uniform beauty and health standards instead of finding what suits their own body best. It is harmful to physical and mental health."