The TikTok leggings legs trend has been banned on the platform, and the reason behind it is actually interesting but much needed.
The world of social media is always buzzing with new trends, but not all of them get a thumbs up. Recently, the TikTok leggings legs trend sparked a lot of chatter. This trend was about showing off legs that were considered “perfect” for leggings, focusing on a very narrow idea of beauty. It’s not a new concept; we’ve seen similar trends before, like the “thigh gap” craze. However, the “legging legs” trend quickly turned controversial, leading to its ban on TikTok. Let’s dive into what happened and why it matters.
What is the TikTok leggings legs trend?
The TikTok leggings legs trend emerged as the latest in a long line of social media phenomena focusing on body image. It referred to the idea that only certain types of legs – typically slim and with a visible thigh gap – were deemed suitable for wearing leggings. This concept isn’t entirely new; it echoes the “thigh gap” craze of 2013, which also promoted an unrealistic and potentially harmful body ideal.
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The term quickly caught on, with users sharing videos and images that purported to showcase the “ideal” legging legs. However, the lack of a clear definition for what constitutes “legging legs” meant that the standard was subjective, leaving it open to personal interpretation and judgment.
Why is the TikTok leggings legs trend banned?
The backlash against the TikTok leggings legs trend was swift and significant. Critics, including mental health professionals and eating disorder experts, condemned the trend as dangerous. They argued that it perpetuated harmful beauty standards and could exacerbate body dissatisfaction, a known risk factor for developing eating disorders.
In response to these concerns, TikTok took the decisive step of banning the term and hashtag from its platform. Searches for “legging legs” now redirect users to resources on eating disorders, signaling the company’s commitment to promoting a healthier online environment. This move has been welcomed by many as a step in the right direction, though it also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and education about body positivity and self-acceptance.
According to CBS News, “The new trend ‘legging legs’ is problematic as it suggests that only certain body types are able to wear a piece of clothing — an idea that promotes the appearance ideal we have all been exposed to and whose internalization may put people at risk to develop an eating disorder,” says Elizabet Altunkara, director of education at the National Eating Disorders Association.
Social Media’s influence on psychology and beauty standards
The TikTok leggings legs trend issue is part of a bigger conversation about how social media affects our mental health and beauty standards. Social media platforms can make us feel like we need to meet impossible standards. Seeing endless images of “perfect” bodies can make us unhappy with our own, leading to issues like low self-esteem and eating disorders. This is especially tough for young people who are still figuring out who they are.
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Social media also makes it easy to compare ourselves to others, which can make us feel even worse. Getting likes and comments on our looks can be addictive but damaging. Banning the “legging legs” trend is a wake-up call about the power of social media and the responsibility platforms have to create a positive space.
Social media connects us but also presents challenges, especially when it comes to how we see ourselves. The TikTok leggings legs trend is just one example of how trends can quickly become harmful. As we move forward, it’s important to keep promoting body positivity and the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Remember, leggings are for anyone wanting to wear them, and beauty is about being comfortable in your skin.
Featured image credit: Olivia Bauso/Unsplash
