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YouTube is adjusting its algorithm to restrict videos showing non-violent aggression and idealized physical appearances from being promoted to teenagers on the platform. In a new blog post<\/a>, YouTube says that such content \u201cmay be innocuous as a single video\u201d but it could \u201cbe problematic for some teens if viewed repetitively.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The restrictions aim to prevent younger users from falling into harmful \u201crabbit hole\u201d content pipelines without preventing them from viewing such videos entirely, as many are compliant with YouTube\u2019s content guidelines. \u201cTeens are more likely than adults to form negative beliefs about themselves when seeing repeated messages about ideal standards in content they consume online,\u201d YouTube said. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The new safeguards are being introduced globally, and apply to content that compares or idealizes certain physical features, weight, and fitness over others, or displays \u201csocial aggression\u201d like intimidation and non-contact fights. The restrictions also apply to makeup tutorials for changing the appearance of someone\u2019s nose or eye shape, or fitness videos promoting muscular or slim physiques.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cA higher frequency of content that idealizes unhealthy standards or behaviors can emphasize potentially problematic messages \u2014 and those messages can impact how some teens see themselves,\u201d said Allison Briscoe-Smith<\/a>, a researcher on YouTube\u2019s Youth and Families Advisory Committee. \u201cGuardrails can help teens maintain healthy patterns as they naturally compare themselves to others and size up how they want to show up in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n