What does Pretty Privilege trending on TikTok mean? Does it affect you?

Pretty privilege states those who are seen to be more conventionally attractive have an edge and are given more opportunities in life
PUBLISHED APR 15, 2023
TikTokers are talking about pretty privilege trend (TikTok News/ YouTube)
TikTokers are talking about pretty privilege trend (TikTok News/ YouTube)

The phrase "pretty privilege" has been talked about for a while, mostly on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. The trend, like practically all others these days, got its start on TikTok. The videos with the hashtag #prettyprivilege have received close to 93.7 million views overall. 

The notion of pretty privilege, which upholds Westernized beauty standards and anti-fatness, holds that those who are attractive are afforded more chances and social niceties than others.

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What is Pretty Privilege?

The idea behind pretty privilege is that those who are seen to be more attractive—according to conventional standards of beauty—have an edge in life and are given many opportunities and privileges that ordinary people aren't. Pretty privilege is a bias that occurs in a variety of settings, where those deemed more attractive are more likely to be hired.



 

According to Dr Sarah Bishop, a clinical psychologist, "pretty privilege refers to the advantages that those who conform to the standards of attractiveness within their culture receive," My Imperfect Life reported.

Impact of Pretty Privilege

The pretty privilege effect is a cognitive bias that causes people to associate beauty with greater intelligence, economic success, social status, and health. It is also evident in popular culture, particularly in children's entertainment, which can lead to a skewed impression of beauty and goodness.



 

Another aspect of pretty privilege that TikTok has demonstrated is the mistreatment of those who are perceived less attractive. This conflict is particularly clear to persons who have lived lives in which they have been both seen as attractive and ugly, The Teen Magazine reported.



 

Attractive people, especially women, are often reduced to just their looks and seen as less honest leaders due to the "trope of the evil seductress." This stereotype can also be seen in women who do not hold leadership positions.

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