TikTok's 'Chubby' Filter Faces Backlash Over Fatphobia and Mental Health Concerns

The AI-generated filter, originating from CapCut, is criticized for reinforcing harmful body ideals and triggering mental health risks, especially for young users.

• The 'chubby' filter, created by CapCut and popularized on TikTok, allows users to generate AI images of themselves with larger or smaller body sizes.
• Critics, including body-positive advocates and mental health professionals, have condemned the trend as fatphobic and damaging to self-esteem.
• Experts warn the trend reinforces societal thinness ideals, potentially leading to harmful behaviors like disordered eating and body dissatisfaction, particularly among young users.
• TikTok has reduced the filter's visibility and redirected searches to support services, but calls for greater accountability persist.
• Advocates emphasize the need for body-positive messaging and parental involvement to counteract harmful social media trends.

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