Laughing and longing: analyzing age filter videos on TikTok

Augmented reality filters have enabled real-time alterations of one's appearance, including filters that allow users to explore how younger or older versions of them might look. This can be entertainment, but can also confront users with an unexpected contrast in appearance. Users sharing their reactions to these filters on social media, allow a view into the effects such filters have. We aim to better understand what these effects are and how such filters support user's engagement with aging and their past.

We searched TikTok for videos on age filter use, centered on those associated with the #teenfilter hashtag. From the initial dataset of 624 we retain 434 videos for a further analysis. We combine a quantitative analysis of the video descriptions and who features in the videos with a thematic analysis of the video content.

We identified eight themes around how users reacted to age filters. These span from positive reactions, such as appreciation and amusement, to negative ones, such as shock and disagreement. Nostalgia and reminiscence were common reactions, with users reflecting on their own lives, but also using the opportunity to draw connections between themselves and their parents or kids.

Our findings describe the broad range of reactions stemming from the use of augmented reality age filters. We find that these filters can help users reminisce and connect across generations. Filters have been shown to affect self-perception and support self-expression and this extends to age and aging.