Press
AP: Justice Department Jeffrey Epstein
UltraViolet Urges Rejection of Andrew Cuomo’s Request to Amend Sexual Misconduct Report
UltraViolet Slams Senate After Failing to Pass Freedom to Vote Act, Says Results Will Directly Harm Women of Color
UltraViolet Slams Senate After Failing to Pass Freedom to Vote Act, Causing Direct Harm to Women of Color
‘It spreads like a disease’: how pro-eating-disorder videos reach teens on TikTok
Instagram has attracted a firestorm after whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed internal research showing the platform downplayed proof of its toxic effects – including the rise of eating disorders – on children.
But such issues are not limited to the Facebook-owned social media company. The Guardian has found a variety of harmful pro-anorexia hashtags remain searchable on the popular video-sharing app TikTok, where corresponding videos have billions of views combined.
‘More dangerous than Instagram’
Todd said that TikTok, compared with Instagram, may actually be “more dangerous” because of the demographics of its users. The video app surpassed 1 billion active monthly users in September, 60% of whom are between the ages of 16 and 24.
TikTok-specific features have prompted a number of concerns unique to the platform, research from UltraViolet found. TikTok’s “For You” page, a feed of videos from accounts users may not even follow that is recommended by an algorithm based on viewing history, makes it possible for problematic content to start “trending” with little friction. One experiment by the Lowy Institute found, for example, that TikTok’s politically neutral feed turned conservative and far-right in just a day of looping, liking and sharing certain content.
Todd said TikTok’s use of augmented reality camera filters can also contribute to negative body image, especially for young girls. While both Snapchat and Instagram have said they won’t allow filters that promote or mimic plastic surgery, TikTok has dozens of beauty filters that let young girls change their skin, face shape, body shape and more.
“This contributes to creating an impossible standard of beauty,” she said.
Women’s Group Reiterates: Washington Football Team’s Dan Snyder Must Go Following Outcome of the NFL’s Investigations and Allegations the Team Offered Money to Cover Up Abuse
Ultraviolet Thanks Progressive Congressional Caucus for Unwavering Support of Build Back Better Agenda
UltraViolet Supports National Women’s Soccer League Players
UltraViolet on R. Kelly Being Found Guilty on All Counts; Group Celebrates Black Women Who Demanded Accountability for His Abuse of Women and Girls for Decades
UltraViolet Celebrates Activism Forcing Instagram to Pause the Rollout of Instagram Kids
UltraViolet Applauds House Passage of Women’s Health Protection Act, Urges Senate to Act Immediately
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