Content warning: This report discusses sexually suggestive content circulating on social media.
A TikTok filter trend has drawn concern from Filipinos after some social media users were seen using it to expose their private parts.
Some Facebook users raised awareness about TikTok users using the trending “matcha filter” to create explicit videos of themselves.
The filter transforms ordinary photos or videos with a distinctive matcha-inspired effect, giving uploaded content a green, tea-toned look.
However, some TikTok users have reportedly been using the filter to share lewd photos or videos of themselves, raising concerns from Filipinos.
“Hi, guys! I want to use my platform, not MLBB related, but to spread AWARENESS. Please don’t participate in this trend,” gaming content creator “Tokoyo Plays”wrote in a Faebook post on August 5.
“I still don’t understand the hype behind people posting photos [or] videos that expose their private parts using the ‘matcha filter’ on TikTok, and now it’s spreading on Facebook too,” the content creator added.
“The saddest part is that even girls—and worse, some minors—are joining this trend. To all parents, please guide your children and teach them the importance of self-respect and online safety. Let’s stop normalizing this. STOP THIS TREND,” Tokoyo Plays continued.
Another Facebook user called out those who intentionally use the filter to display explicit content online.
“MGA WALANG SELF-RESPECT!!! Kadiri naman kayo ny*ta, the matcha filter was literally made for fun and to join a harmless trend, hindi para gawing dahilan para ipakita ang private parts niyo. If you’re doing it just for clout, likes, or attention, please think twice,” the Facebook user said.
“Tandaan niyo na public space ang social media. Ang daming minors na gumagamit ng TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, at iba pang platforms. They can easily come across your videos kahit hindi naman nila hinahanap ang ganoong content, at hindi iyon ang dapat nilang makita habang nagso-scroll,” the Facebook user added.
“Okay lang makisabay sa trends, pero sana may boundaries pa rin. Hindi lahat ng trend kailangang lagyan ng sexual meaning o gawing bastos para lang mas maraming views, reactions, o shares,” the Facebook user continued.
The Facebook user reminded Filipinos not to throw away their “self-respect just for temporary attention online.”
“Let’s normalize enjoying trends without making them inappropriate. Kunting responsibility at respeto sa ibang users, lalo na sa mga minors na gumagamit din ng social media,” the Facebook user said.
Meanwhile, a filter trend refers to a viral social media phenomenon in which users adopt a specific photo or video effect for their posts.
These trends can range from aesthetic color grading to distinct, heavily saturated color tints that transform the appearance of photos or videos captured on camera.
