Instagram Filters with Plastic Surgery-Inspired Effects Could Soon Disappear
Instagram filters, especially the stylish ones, are a common part of the social media platform. From taking on fake dog ears to turning your bedroom backdrop into another galaxy, it's always fun to add a filter. However, in an effort to combat some of the negative mental impacts caused by social media, the company behind approving filters announced its removing all of its filters that give a plastic surgery-like effect.
Spark AR Studio, the company that approves user-created Instagram filters, announced a change in its filter approval process, i-D reported. In a statement shared to its Facebook on October 18, Spark explained its decision, writing, "We want Spark AR effects to be a positive experience and are re-evaluating our existing policies as they relate to well-being." The post further explained that any filters associated with plastic surgery effects would be removed from the platform and that future filters that use the effect wouldn't be approved.
The post explained that Spark AR doesn't have an exact date for when the removal of filters would begin, but its expected to begin with the "coming weeks." The company's post also didn't specify what guidelines will be used in determining what filters will and won't be approved.
Medical experts have continually raised concern about the use of filters in social media. Plastic surgeons previously shared concern with the Huffington Post about filters distorting our perception of reality, and a poll by the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery surveyed plastic surgeons and found that social media usage was leading to an increase in plastic surgery requests. Previous research has also continually supported the idea that the use of social media negatively impacts our mental health too.
Ultimately, it's always important to remember that what you're seeing on social media isn't always reality. Everyone, even your fave celebs, has bad days, and as perfect, sunny, and flawless as the latest selfie on your feed might seem, it's likely that the photo isn't truly a complete picture. It's fine, and fun, to add a filter or to use Instagram, but do so with caution and balance.
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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
