The Rise of AI Beauty Filters and Their Psychological Impact on Body Image and Self- Esteem: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54938/ijemdss.2026.05.3.763Keywords:
AI Beauty Filters, Body Dissatisfaction, Self-Objectification, Social Comparison, Digital LiteracyAbstract
The psychological impacts of the use of AI beauty filters on users' body image and self-esteem are not adequately cohesive, as they are commonplace on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The purpose of this systematic review is to compile empirical research investigating the effects of the use of AI or augmented reality beauty filters on body dissatisfaction, self, esteem, self, objectification, social comparison and mental health outcomes from 2010 to 2025. In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, several databases were searched and because of the diversity in designs and measures, a narrative synthesis of studies was conducted. The results consistently point to the fact that people who often use filters and thus get exposed to the idealized, edited images of themselves and others experience body dissatisfaction, have lower self, esteem, suffer from appearance anxiety, and, moreover, engage in upward appearance, based social comparisons more strongly, which especially happens in adolescents and young adults. Moreover, the fact that filters often have very limited yet euro-centric parameters that can inadvertently lead to higher levels of internalized racism and colorism among nonWestern users are also acknowledged. The results suggest that, when interpreted in light of the aforementioned well-known media effects and body image theories, the use of AI beauty filters accentuates the discrepancy between what is and what is not considered attractive, to such an extent that cosmetic intervention to “fix” the perceived difference is becoming increasingly accepted as a solution to reduce that difference. The review highlights the importance of culturally responsive filter design, greater clarity in filter regulations, and specific digital literacy and body image interventions. AI beauty filters can be used to create this phenomenon of self objectification, resulting in what has been described as a "Beauty Void.This phenomenon of self objectification can be created through AI beauty filters, leading to what has been termed a “Beauty Void.”
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