October 29, 2019
We all use face altering filters on Instagram. Some of them are cute, some of them are funny, and some of them let us distort our faces by giving us bigger lips and smaller noses – leaving some users wondering if they look better with these alterations. But now, in a bid to prevent negativity and promote wellbeing, Instagram has decided to stop featuring selfie filters that mimic the effects of plastic surgery.
Spark AR, Facebook’s augmented reality development, recently released a statement announcing they’ll no longer carry filters that are associated with plastic surgery.
“We want Spark AR effects to be a positive experience and are re-evaluating our existing policies as they relate to well-being. While this happens, we’re doing the following:
- Removing all effects associated with plastic surgery from the Instagram Effect Gallery
- Postponing approval of new effects associated with plastic surgery until further notice
- Continuing to remove policy-violating effects as they are identified”
Users will still be able to use those funny animal and selfie filters; however, the platform believes eliminating cosmetic surgery filters will help reduce the number of young people undergoing plastic surgery and also protect the wellbeing of its users.
It won’t stop body dysmorphia, but it is a positive baby step in the right direction. And just one step further in removing the stigma around mental health and social media.