Episode 103

full
Published on:

8th May 2025

EP - 103 - The Ugly Truth Behind Symmetry Filters

TikTok's obsession with facial symmetry filters is warping the way we see ourselves- and not in a cute, harmless way. In this episode, we dive into how these apps fuel body dysmorphia and push harmful Eurocentric beauty ideals onto millions of users. We'll break down why chasing "perfect symmetry" is a toxic trap and hear what experts have to say about the mental health fallout.

Get ready for a no-filter conversation that's sharp, thought-provoking, and impossible to ignore!

Are. You. Ready?

***************

Sources:

JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamafacialplasticsurgery/fullarticle/2781342

Vox article on filter dysmorphia:

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22297888/instagram-face-filter-dysmorphia

BBC article on TikTok filters and beauty pressure:

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-62113819

Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings (2019)

Dr. Neelam Vashi’s research on cosmetic dermatology and social media:

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/how-social-media-is-affecting-plastic-surgery/

Harper’s Bazaar article on Eurocentric beauty filters:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/a33315429/eurocentric-beauty-standards-instagram-filters/

***************

Leave Us a 5* Rating, it helps the show!

Apple Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-unlocked-the-podcast/id1522636282

Spotify Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/37MLxC8eRob1D0ZcgcCorA

****************

Follow Us on Social Media & Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

TikTok:

tiktok.com/@beautyunlockedthepod

YouTube:

@beautyunlockedspodcasthour

****************

Intro/Outro Music:

Music by Savvier from Fugue FAME INC

Show artwork for Beauty Unlocked the podcast

About the Podcast

Beauty Unlocked the podcast
Buckle up and get ready as I delve into a variety of topics regarding physical beauty.

We'll take a look at our society's obsession with physical beauty and the consequences these impossible beauty standards have had on us.
Let's face it; this fascination regarding physical beauty and body image isn't a recent phenomenon; it has been around for centuries, crossing borders, and has affected men and women alike.
The realization of this podcast has come about by my own experiences having to deal with society's perverse notion of physical "perfection" and researching an array of topics that have intrigued me over the years.
Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Carissa Vikis

Carissa Vikis

Hey there!
I'm Carissa, host, content creator, and producer of the indie podcast Beauty Unlocked.
Growing up, I was frequently compared and criticized for my looks and weight. This started the vicious cycle of being self-critical and loathing my body. I knew I wasn't the only one suffering from society's ridiculous notion of what "we should look like." I started digging deeper and researching various topics, and the rest is h(er)story!
Beauty Unlocked The Podcast aims to educate and bring awareness of our society's obsession with physical beauty and the emotional consequences these impossible beauty standards have. Beauty Unlocked's social media platform showcases not only my work but that of other artists, illustrators, and fellow podcasters that I admire and that share a similar message of inspiration, empowerment, positivity, and raising awareness on a variety of social issues.