Thousands of guardians have endorsed an online petition urging TikTok to clearly designate influencer accounts that are AI-generated, asserting that the unrealistic beauty standards these accounts endorse are harmful to the app’s most susceptible users.
The petition, directed to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, emphasizes, “Studies have revealed that TikTok poses risks for children and adolescents, the most vulnerable demographic, grappling with body image issues, self-worth challenges, eating disorders, and other detrimental behaviors. AI-generated influencer accounts exacerbate this toxic environment by inundating youngsters with unattainable beauty ideals achievable only by machines.”
Spearheaded by ParentsTogether, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reporting on matters impacting children and families, the petition underscores the necessity for TikTok to proactively identify AI-generated accounts, a practice currently reliant on users’ self-disclosure, which is often lacking.
Furthermore, the concerned parents highlight the increasing sophistication of AI technology, complicating the differentiation between reality and artificiality, particularly challenging for casual users, notably children.
TikTok has faced recurrent scrutiny regarding its impact on users below 18 years old. A 2022 report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate exposed TikTok’s young, impressionable users to harmful content promoting eating disorders and self-harm.
A recent report from the same center shed light on TikTok videos endorsing steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.
In response to these criticisms, TikTok implemented new restrictions, screen time limits, and enhanced parental controls for teenagers and children.
To mitigate the adverse effects of social media on body image and self-esteem, the Boys and Girls Club of America recommended that adolescents restrict their social media usage, adopt positive affirmations, and practice self-empowerment.
