Tiktok is blocking users from searching for “Skinnytok” – a hashtag that critics say indicates people to step into “worship of extreme thinness” content.
Content related to the hashtag includes videos showing people’s exercise routines or eating throughout the day.
Tiktok said it “blocked #SkinnyTok’s search results because it’s already related to unhealthy weight loss content.”
Now, people using the hashtag will be redirected to a mental health support resource.
Tom Quinn, from an eating disorder charity, defeated and welcomed the move, saying “Skinnytok” and related content could have a “destructive” effect on people who are “in trouble”.
However, he stressed that there is more to be done.
“We know that users often find solutions to content blocks and there are still damage to content that are not shared under the “Skinnytok” umbrella, which Tiktok and other social media platforms must now address.”
According to the National Eating Disorders Coalition, the Skinnytok hashtag has more than 5 million posts.
It says the hashtags include content such as low-calorie recipes that, on the surface, seem to promote healthy lifestyle advice.
But the organization actually says that in fact, it “glory thin and insults weight gain” and “promotes disorderly eating behavior.”
This trend has raised a special alarm in France, with experts warning how social media can drive vulnerable young people to develop eating disorders.
Nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, nutritionist Carole Copti told AFP News Agency, he said: “Patients are completely indoctrinated – the hours I spend every week on Tiktok is not matched.”
France’s digital minister wrote on social media that “Skinnytok is over”, thanks to lobbying by European politicians, who wrote on social media that the hashtag’s blockade.
Tiktok said in a statement that its security measures are regularly reviewed to “treat evolving risks.”
It added: “We continue to limit videos on teen accounts and provide health experts and information in Tiktok searches.”
This is not the first time Tiktok has been forced to take action on what attracts body image attention.
In March, it blocked the so-called “fat filter”, a viral tool that makes people look overweight.
