The TikTok Inverted Filter trend has been popular for a while now. The unwavering craze, in worst cases, has made some users cry as it has tainted their self-esteem. On the contrary, others celebrated as it eased up their Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Either way, it could be agreed upon that the trending filter provides a significant emotional effect to its users -- may it be positive or negative. Thus, it still prevails despite the new trends springing up like mushrooms in the platform.
Viral filter challenges are not new to TikTok -- and it has made such harm in the past too. For instance, the TikTok Silhouette Challenge endangers its users from being seen naked.
But on some occasions, TikTok trends tend to be beneficial to its users. Like for example, the #PersonalFinance craze.
TikTok Inverted Filter
The filter--as its name suggests--inverts the image that the selfie camera produces to show users "how other people see you," In The Know reported.
But it turns out, some users, after using the filter, instead deemed their faces asymmetrical. In turn, it has ruined their self-esteem, and at worst, some even broke into tears due to their dismay.
A girl trying the filter even wrote: "Pretty privilege is being able to do this trend without bursting into tears," via CNET.
The social media fad has reminded people that symmetrical faces are more attractive to most, as multiple studies suggest. Although, according to In The Know, it was never a requirement, to begin with.
Inverted Filter and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
The filter has left some users sulking at their insecurity. However, some users are rejoicing as it otherwise regained their self-esteem.
Some users who tried the inverted filter say that it helped them overcome their body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). As per Mayo Clinic, it is a mental health disorder that makes people think about their physical imperfections at an alarming frequency.
As such, people with BDD are always in front of the mirror to check out how they look. It is why, in most cases, the condition could be alleviated if other people will reassure them that their flaws don't matter at all.
Read Also: TikTok Owner ByteDance's Smart Lamp Allows Parents to Surveillance Their Children
Does the Filter Help?
Dr. Samantha Glickman, an expert on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, told In The Know in the same report that the TikTok filter could worsen the disorder if prolonged.
"These practices can maintain negative thinking patterns as well as reliance on checking behaviors," Glickman said.
The reassurance that the filter gives them could shortly lower anxiety. However, the bad news is that it could help the disorder symptoms to prevail. With that, it could make them dependent on the reassurance that other people give them. Thus, not completely curing the said condition.
Instead, cognitive behavioral therapy is highly suggested for those who experience it.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Teejay Boris
