TikTok’s body editing apps are ‘triggering’ eating disorders

Campaigners fear that young people are being affected by the advertisement of body-altering ads on Social Media

In an ongoing debate regarding Social Media regulation, campaigners working with eating disorder charities are warning against the danger of certain apps advertised on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. 

The apps in question offer the option of altering body parts in attempts of making the waist appear slimmer or by creating the illusion of a more muscular and toned body. Experts fear that young people suffering from eating disorders are most susceptible to this type of advertisements. 

A spokesperson from Beat, a UK eating disorder charity, explained to the BBC “Body-changing apps that encourage the stigmatisation of weight, or promote the idealisation of thinness, could cause distress for people suffering from an eating disorder or vulnerable to one".

According to Instagram and TikTok, the advertisements for body-altering apps don’t break advertising rules. Still, TikTok announced that they are analysing their policies in order to foster a “body-positive” milieu. Last year, the social media platform, which is extremely popular among teenagers had also announced that it prohibited any display of fasting apps and supplement enhancing weight loss. 

Both Android and Apple app stores offer a number of applications whose sole purpose is to adjust body parts in photos or videos. The options range from modifying the shape and size of facial features and of the body as if to appear smaller or more muscular, or the possibility to edit the skin, making it look smoother. 

The last year, with people spending most time indoors, glued to their phones and Social Media platforms, has brought an increase of children and teens in need of help when it comes to busy image issues and eating disorders. According to eating disorder charity Seed, they have seen a 68% rise in those aged between 10 and 19 seeking their support during the pandemic.

Experts warn that if appropriate measures are not put in place and Social Media platforms aren’t held accountable for allowing such apps to advertise, this could lead to an epidemic of eating disorders in the years to come.