Another day, another social media trend designed to undermine self-esteem. There’s a new TikTok filter that has users questioning their attractiveness based on their “canthal tilt,” which refers to the positioning of the inner and outer corners of their eyes. The filter draws a red line across the eyes to determine each user’s canthal tilt.
Users with a negative tilt, or downward angled eyes, are receiving comments about this supposedly “undesirable” feature. One TikToker even received a comment saying “it’s over for you bro” after revealing his negative tilt. According to Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon, a positive tilt, where the eyes slant upwards, is traditionally considered attractive.
Positive canthal tilt is believed to enhance a person’s feminine, attractive, and youthful appearance, according to Dr. Ari Hoschander, another board-certified plastic surgeon. On the other hand, a negative canthal tilt may contribute to a more aged and fatigued look. However, it’s important to note that canthal tilt is just one aspect of facial aesthetics, and beauty standards constantly change over time.
Unfortunately, this trend perpetuates problematic ideals and reinforces troubling beauty standards. Some users have even suggested that those with negative canthal tilt should undergo plastic surgery and intense skincare routines to improve their appearance. This trend is reminiscent of the “fox eye” trend from 2020, which also faced backlash for its racial implications and cultural appropriation.
It’s worth noting that the pursuit of an ideal canthal tilt may infiltrate plastic surgeons’ offices. Social media tends to emphasize the importance of positive canthal tilt as it can make the eyes appear larger or more open. Some individuals may consider surgery to create an upward tilt, even though plastic surgeons generally advise against permanent alterations in the shape or position of the eyes.
Similar to past trends like “fox eyes” and “siren eyes,” the focus on canthal tilt may change over time. Plastic surgery offices may see an increase in requests for procedures that change the tilt from negative to positive as interest in canthal tilt grows. These procedures, such as cosmetic lateral canthoplasty and epicanthoplasty, aim to create wider and bigger-looking eyes.
The trends in facial attractiveness often stem from Korean beauty standards, as seen in K-pop and K-drama. While this shift challenges the notion that beauty standards are solely led by Western ideals, it can negatively impact individuals’ self-image, particularly young men.
The obsession with physical appearance, as seen in the looksmaxxing trend, can be considered body dysmorphic and harmful to mental health. Young people, especially, invest their self-esteem and identity into their physical appearance, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness when their desired results are not achieved.
Constant exposure to unrealistic beauty ideals worsens body image satisfaction and increases social media addiction. It can also contribute to the development of body dysmorphic disorder, which affects both men and women. Men’s interest in cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid lifts and face lifts, is growing.
Ultimately, the pursuit of unattainable beauty standards is exhausting and unfulfilling. It is crucial to be kinder to ourselves and others, to celebrate diversity, and to recognize the richness of the human experience goes beyond external appearance.
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