Instagram is fed up with the promotion of plastic surgery on their platform. The social media app recently removed a number of filters from their selection, most of which were focused around body image and cosmetic surgery. One of these filters even featured semi-realistic surgery markings, and was branded with the blunt title “Fix Me.” Apparently, any filter or effect with any relation to cosmetic procedures will be removed, and future ones likely won’t be approved. The reasoning for this is simple: if you work for a LA, NY, Chicago, or Denver plastic surgery clinic, Instagram doesn’t want you profiting off of user insecurity.
Some Users Are Actually Upset About Changes
On Spark AR’s Facebook announcement, there are hundreds of comments and many “angry reacts,” which are typically used to express distaste. On the platform, many users have spoken out in protest against removing the filters. One of the top comments on the post reads:
“This is ridiculous! WELLNESS AND HEALTH CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT FREEDOM. This is also discriminatory, are you saying people who get plastic surgery is not healthy? what about people with face reconstruction? I really you should think this over because it doesn’t seem to be too much thought behind this.”
It seems that users are also concerned that by removing the filters, Instagram is taking a stance against plastic surgery, implying that cosmetic procedures are a bad thing. After all, users from all over the US have made use of LA, Boston, NY, Denver plastic surgery clinics … so is Spark AR (and Instagram by proxy) saying that’s a bad thing?
Sommer Ray Will Be Allowed To Stay
Many people use cosmetic surgery as a way to feel better about themselves, so to them, Instagram is indirectly advocating against such procedures. However, Instagram has said nothing of the fact that fitness models like Sommer Ray have been accused of promoting unrealistic fitness procedures. The app’s latest changes goes hand in hand with Instagram’s efforts last month to remove any content promoting weight-loss procedures, or diets which focused on weight loss as their exclusive goal. However, the wealth and lifestyle required to participate in the regimes practiced by fitness models is arguably just as harmful to promote as plastic surgery procedures.
Instagram Won’t Be Removing Other Filters
If you’re worried about being able to take a cute pic with some puppy ears, then don’t worry. Instagram is only removing filters that have to do with cosmetic surgery. In addition to the removal of the “Fix Me” filter, “Plastica” and “Bad Botox” are two other filters that will likely see the axe. The announcement of the removal didn’t come from Instagram themselves, but from Spark AR, the company which provides the filters to begin with.
The fact that Instagram isn’t removing all facial altering filters suggests that they’re trying to target materials which promote Denver plastic surgery. If you want to use an animal filter, you’ll still be able to. Same goes for makeup filters. Spark AR announced the changes as part of an update to their “Well-Being Policies” adding that they will continue to review their products to ensure a positive atmosphere. While some skeptical fans came after their reasoning as flawed, they have yet to respond to those comments, and instead invited commentators to privately message the company.
