Social media has changed the way we perceive life and interact with others. What we show on our social profiles, what we write, what we respond to… everything is much more thought out and less spontaneous than in face-to-face relationships. The focus is on the here and now and presenting the best image of ourselves.
In response to this, the main social networks strive to release increasingly advanced filters that, sometimes, instead of showing the best version of us, display an image that does not represent us or with which we do not feel identified. This is what has happened with the latest “beauty” filter released by the giant TikTok. It’s called Bold Glamour and it is gaining as many supporters as detractors.
This is not my face or artificial intelligence
Voices are beginning to rise against all this superficiality that is felt on social media and, above all, the one promoted by filters like Bold Glamour, which completely change the face. Features are more defined, wrinkles are removed, and the face is rejuvenated through artificial intelligence; and the result is, precisely, artificial. Not in the sense of “it’s obvious that this face isn’t yours,” but in the sense that one recognizes that this face is not their own. In fact, it is technically very well implemented because even if you touch your face, wear glasses, or move, the effect remains intact on the face.
This hyperrealism is what has caused the most controversy because it can create completely false and unrealistic beauty standards. Additionally, research confirms that users of these filters feel worse about themselves and their bodies due to the huge number of “filtered” (and therefore perfect) images on social media.
And when it comes to teenagers, the issue becomes even more serious. Younger audiences tend to be more vulnerable to internalizing these types of images. A study found that when original or retouched selfies were shown to teenage girls aged 14 to 18, they thought the retouched photos looked better. Furthermore, those who were shown retouched photos were less satisfied with their bodies.
Celebrities raise their voices in opposition
With all this, some very popular faces in our country have taken a stand against the use of this latest filter. For example, Paula Echevarría says she feels much better natural than with the artificial Paula created by Bold Glamour.
And you, what do you think about the use of these types of filters?
