Snapchat called out over skin-lightening selfie filters
Snapchat has found itself at the heart of social media criticism over its use of the Coachella skin tone lightening filter, which reportedly ‘whitewashes’ facial features to give those with darker skin a lighter complexion.
As well as whitening your looks, the filter will also create more doe-shaped eyes and impart a glossier sheen to facial features. This has sparked criticism from some who believe it reinforces stereotypical - and predominantly white - notions of beauty.
Such concerns haven’t dented the popularity of the filter however with many sharing their pre and post filter looks on social media.
lol @snapchat that whitening tho pic.twitter.com/UfhWFJmdAq
— big fluffy cosplay (@namieamuros) March 10, 2016
— grantaire of color (@erisolsies) April 25, 2016
Snapchat has found itself on the frontline of conversations concerning beauty and body image with other popular filters promising to thin facial features and remove skin imperfections.