1 day Ago By Laila Sayegh, Staff Writer
In recent months, the trend of mouth taping has gained significant traction on social media. Celebrities and influencers tout the advantages of mouth taping, claiming better sleep, improved breathing and even improved facial aesthetics, such as a more defined jawline. Due to this, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype without considering the negative effects it can have.
As with many wellness fads, there is little reliable research backing these claims, and the trend can be downright dangerous for individuals with certain health conditions like sleep apnea. The health and wellness industry preys on people’s fears for profitability, rather than providing sufficient information and research. The popularity of mouth taping seems to thrive on anecdotal success stories rather than solid evidence.
With the fast-paced “scroll culture” of TikTok and Instagram, influencers and businesses alike use their content to quickly persuade viewers to try out the latest trends without fully explaining the potential risks. It’s a classic case of the wellness industry prioritizing profit over consumer wellness, using fear-based marketing to fuel their message. Fear is subtle yet powerful: the fear of not sleeping well, of breathing improperly, of having an “unattractive” face shape or of missing out on some secret trick to better health and aesthetics.
Essentially, the health and wellness industry uses the internet to fester doubt and insecurity within an impressionable viewer, subconsciously creating some fierce yet invisible standard of perfection in their minds. By presenting an idealized version of health or beauty that is often attainable or unrealistic for most people, the industry is able to convince people, especially adolescents, that they are not doing something right or that there is something wrong with them, pressuring them to buy into superficial solutions. Instead of succumbing to the allure of quick fixes and anecdotal success stories by paid brand ambassadors, consumers should seek out evidence-based information and consult healthcare professionals before making a health-based lifestyle decision.
Of course, there are potential benefits to the fad for certain people. In some cases, mouth taping has genuinely improved the quality of sleep or breathing for people. Some have argued that since using mouth tape, they have snored less, had generally better breath and experienced less fatigue.
Hence, the issue doesn’t lie in the act of mouth taping itself; rather it is the misleading and deceptive rhetoric and strategies that the media uses to promote it. One thing that the health and wellness industry will often glaze over in their quickform ads is the many risks and lack of evidence surrounding mouth taping. Many doctors would not even recommend mouth taping to alleviate snoring or other breathing issues.
There is not sufficient evidence to support its benefits, and in fact, a lot of research shows that it could do more harm than good. Some of the main risks of mouth taping include exacerbation of existing health conditions, such as sleep apnea, where obstructing the mouth interferes with proper breathing patterns and leads to serious complications. Individuals with nasal obstructions or chronic respiratory issues may find that mouth-taping exacerbates discomfort or creates additional breathing challenges.
The potential for skin irritation and anxiety from having one’s mouth taped shut are also notable concerns, particularly for those with sensitive skin or a history of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive, peer-reviewed research means that the long-term effects of mouth taping are unknown. As a result, promoting mouth taping as a universal or a quick fix can be misleading and potentially harmful.
Impressionable audiences, compelling TikTok videos, famous faces, insufficient research and one-touch payments work together as a recipe for disaster. Celebrities and influencers wield significant power in shaping public perceptions and trends, and with this influence comes a profound responsibility to ensure they are promoting safe and evidence-based practices. Unfortunately, the trend of mouth-taping has been championed by figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Graham , who boast its benefits without scientific backing.
The comparison culture perpetuated by these figures and their social media encourages users to measure their worth against the curated lives of influencers. This can lead to a cycle of imitation driven by insecurities and the desire to achieve an idealized version of their health or beauty, regardless of the risks involved. This endorsement reflects a troubling trend in which the pursuit of profit often overshadows moral responsibility.
By glamorizing and endorsing unproven methods, celebrities contribute to the normalization of risky behaviors among youth who desire to meet some standard or live a lifestyle similar to that of their lavish role models. It is crucial for those with significant social influence to prioritize ethical considerations and ensure their endorsements are backed by credible evidence to safeguard the well-being of their audiences, especially the younger more impressionable ones..
