The Psychological Effects of TikTok’s Beauty Filter on Female Self-Perception: A Qualitative Survey

Authors

  • Minal Asfand PhD Scholar, Riphah Institute of Media Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Muhammad Shahid Assistant Professor, Riphah Institute of Media Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62843/jrsr/2025.4d147

Keywords:

Psychological Effects, TikTok’s Beauty Filter, Female Self-Perception

Abstract

The use of beauty filters on social media platforms (specifically on TikTok) has highlighted a concern regarding their impact on female psychological wellbeing and perception of themselves. The qualitative survey was performed to figure out how TikTok beauty filters effect self- perception, confidence, and psychological experiences in female participants. A survey was presented to approximately 300-350 female users who regularly utilize beauty filters on TikTok that obtained insightful responses regarding the motives for usage of filter, emotional reactions, and opinions of the unfiltered aspects. Thematic analysis discovered common themes and recurring experiences. The studies demonstrate that beauty filters function in complicated and various ways. While majority of the users experienced short term boosts in confidence, satisfaction and social acceptance when utilizing filters, these were frequently followed by adverse psychological consequences, which includes disorganized self-perception, adverse social comparison, feeling of helplessness and greater dependency on digital confirmation. Various users shared struggles with accommodating their natural appearance with their filtered online image, demonstrating a larger distinction between their digital self-identities and their real-life perceptions. The research emphasizes the psychological hazards in usage of regular beauty filter and the significance for enhanced understanding of media and moral social media structure and adoption of real and diverse beauty norms. Through presenting qualitative results about behavioral and psychological implications of the use of beauty filters, this study address a gap in the literature and highlights the importance of future longitudinal, cross-cultural study aimed at improving awareness of long term consequences.

Author Biography

  • Minal Asfand, PhD Scholar, Riphah Institute of Media Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Corresponding Author: minalasfand246@gmail.com 

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Published

2025-12-30

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Asfand, M., & Shahid, M. (2025). The Psychological Effects of TikTok’s Beauty Filter on Female Self-Perception: A Qualitative Survey. Journal of Regional Studies Review, 4(4), 134-145. https://doi.org/10.62843/jrsr/2025.4d147

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