YouTube’s new approach includes globally restricting video recommendations for teens that idealize specific body types or promote social aggression. This change is driven by concerns that repeated exposure to such content can negatively affect teenagers’ mental health and body image.
While these videos do not violate YouTube’s guidelines, the platform recognizes that repeatedly viewing content that focuses on fitness goals, body weight, or certain physical features may lead teens to internalize unrealistic beauty standards.
This new safety measure will ensure that teens do not get trapped in “rabbit holes” of content that could encourage harmful behaviors, such as pursuing extreme fitness routines or unhealthy beauty standards. For example, YouTube will restrict content that suggests altering physical appearance through make-up tutorials aimed at changing facial features like nose shape, or exercise videos promoting a particular body type.
By updating its algorithm to protect teens from such repeated exposure, YouTube aligns with the UK’s Online Safety Act, which requires tech companies to evaluate the risks posed by their algorithms to under-18 users.
This initiative emphasizes that a higher frequency of exposure to content idealizing unhealthy standards can distort how teens view themselves.
Google’s virtual try-on expansion and YouTube’s content restrictions both reflect ongoing efforts in the tech industry to create safer, more mindful online environments that prioritize user well-being.