In the world of social media influencers, YouTubers, and TikTok stars, there can be a level of immaturity reached that feels very juvenile. Likely because a number of the biggest stars on social media are barely out of high school themselves. What may have been confined to the schoolyard in the past has now ended up on the internet for all to see as petty feuds and mean-spirited videos make waves. A recent video uploaded toYouTubeby FaZe Jarvis is causing controversy online for its Photoshopping of famous TikTokers.
RELATED:YouTube Streamer Valkyrae Apologizes for Controversial Comment
In one recent video, Jarvis asks some of his friends to identify famous TikTokers, however, their appearance has been altered to make them appear “chubby.” This video immediately drew criticism from fans of the people who had their appearance altered, most notably fans of Addison Rae. Body image issues are a serious concern for millions of people who struggle with their weight, and to be laughing at the altered images, it comes across as insensitive. Addison Rae has said in the past that she comes across hurtful videos where people call her fat or ridicule her appearance, revealing the kind of pressure that people face to meet idealized standards of beauty.Females on Twitch often are held to strange double standardswith regard to how they present themselves online.
The pressure, particularly on women (celebrity or not) to look a certain way is intensified on social media where one bad angle on a photo can lead to dozens of snarky comments and critique. Issues like body dysmorphia can have a crippling effect on someone, and it might start with seeing their altered image in what is meant to be a harmless, silly YouTube video. There are plenty of ways to make content, just look atTwitch streamer Ludwig and his endless stream, so to be altering images to make people appear “chubby” and have friends laugh at the result is unnecessary.
Addison Rae is a somewhat controversial TikToker herself, with her appearance on anAmong UsTwitch stream not being well receivedby fans in the streaming community. There are a lot of petty politics and childish antics on social media platforms, and while some folks think they might just be having fun, not everyone is laughing.
