A ‘fatphobic’ new filter has appeared on TikTok and honestly, it’s disgusting

A grim new filter has popped up on TikTok and, as predicted, people are using it to make others feel bad.

Several trends specifically designed to make women feel insecure have come about in the last year or so. “Strawberry legs” had us thinking we needed to cover up the (incredibly normal) stubble left over from shaving, and the “water waist” challenge prompted the idea that a woman was “less than” if her partner couldn’t use one arm to reach around her waist.

This time, straight-size people are using a filter to make their faces look exaggeratedly round and wrinkly, before revealing their actual, conventionally beautiful features.

@katiana.kaynew dog♬ original sound – 𝕽𝖕𝖙𝖗_𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖙𝖘

If you’re over 18, chances are you’ll probably remember the “Don’t Judge Me” challenge from a few years back. This is basically the same idea. TikTokers use the “fat” filter to somehow try and convince people this is what they actually look like, pixelated eyebrows and all. Then, in a big reveal, the TikTok jump-cuts to them looking “normal” – usually much slimmer, with clear skin and perfect makeup.

While a number of the comments have been along the lines of: “Omg she’s so beautiful,” many others have called out the creators for “fatphobia.”

“You guys always find a way to make fatphobia into a trend jesus”, TikToker @nootboop said.

“This trend has to be stopped” said a commenter.

@nootboop You guys always find a way to make fatphobia into a trend jesus #plussize #bodypositive #fatphobia #fyp #fatphobictrends #alttiktok ♬ original sound – 𝕽𝖕𝖙𝖗_𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖙𝖘

“I know everyone’s making videos about this trend but YIKES to anyone doing this. Fatphobes,” fat liberation activist @splotchmaker said.

“People (especially males) literally think we only hate this trend cause we’re jealous. No Kyle, I have empathy and don’t want others put down,” said another.

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Featured image via @nootboop on TikTok.