Face filters are a form of augmented reality (AR) that allows users to modify their faces and alter their appearance. This technology uses a smartphone’s camera to overlay digital images onto a live video stream that is being captured by the device.
This new technology has become a popular and widespread feature on photo-sharing apps like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. It’s been around for a while, but the popularity of these filters has grown exponentially in recent years and there are now countless ways to use them.
While face filters are fun, they also have a dark side and can be used to promote unhealthy beauty standards. Many face filters have been accused of promoting body shaming and even influencing people to get plastic surgery in order to make themselves appear more attractive.
Some of these effects are extremely damaging to women and can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm and even suicide. A study of over a million face filter videos found that women who were exposed to these filters were more likely to feel dissatisfied with their bodies and to be less satisfied with their relationship with their partner.
In addition, research has shown that face filters are a common tool used to compare oneself with others and that a positive correlation exists between their use and upward appearance comparison as well as acceptance of cosmetic surgery.
Although face filters are not new, they have evolved into what is referred to as “beauty filters,” which change facial features with accuracy, sometimes without the user’s knowledge or consent. They may enlarge or shrink lips, add makeup, deform the nose and chin, enhance eyes and cheekbones, and smooth the skin.
There are now a wide variety of AR face filters available for different purposes and on all the major platforms including Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram. Using a selfie camera and an app, users can use these filters to improve their facial appearance in real time before they upload them to the platform.
A recent survey found that over a third of respondents used face filters to enhance their appearance. The main reasons for this were to look better and gain attention on social media.
The study also found that young women are more susceptible to using face filters than older adults. This is probably because younger people are more vulnerable to the negative social comparisons that can come with these filters and more likely to be influenced by their peers’ behavior online.
This is a big problem in the era of social media, where young people are constantly surrounded by images and influencers that promote unrealistic beauty standards. In particular, the Kardashian ideal of big cat eyes, plump lips and high cheekbones has been blamed for influencing women to have plastic surgery in order to meet these standards.
But despite the dangers of face filters, some people still use them to take fun and quirky selfies. For example, M&M has a Snapchat filter that lets you turn your face into Santa, while a number of other filters let you transform yourself into pigs, vampires and more!