Pinterest is expanding its commitment to inclusivity by testing a new tool that enables users to filter specific searches based on different body types. Initially focused on women’s fashion and wedding ideas, this feature builds upon Pinterest’s recently introduced body type technology, leveraging innovative computer vision to identify diverse body shapes, sizes, and forms within its extensive image database of over 5 billion pictures. The AI, powering this front-end feature, aims to enhance search inclusivity, aligning with Pinterest’s goal to combat body size discrimination and its associated harms.
Earlier, Pinterest announced the development of body type technology to make searches more inclusive, citing data from the Campaign for Size Freedom, which highlighted the impact of body size discrimination on approximately 34 million Americans in 2019. Megan D’Alessio, former manager of inclusion and diversity at Pinterest, emphasized the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, particularly among young people, with a higher percentage among adolescent girls compared to boys.
The backdrop of discussions around social media’s potential impact on body image, fueled by revelations from former Meta employee Frances Haugen, prompted Pinterest to proactively address concerns. In response to potential regulations related to teen social media use and its influence on body image, Pinterest integrated technology to better represent various body types on its platform. This initiative, part of Pinterest’s broader “inclusive AI” efforts, which include skin tone ranges and hair pattern search filters, claims to have increased the representation of different body types in women’s fashion-related searches by fivefold in the U.S.
The test of the new front-facing tool allowing users to filter searches by body types is currently rolling out to Pinterest users, starting with women’s fashion and wedding ideas. Pinterest anticipates that this feature will not only enhance the diversity of search results but also boost engagement on the platform. Citing the success of the skin tone range filter, Pinterest notes a 70% year-over-year increase in users saving Pins across various skin tone ranges after its introduction in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Sabrina Ellis, Pinterest’s Chief of Product, expressed the company’s commitment to fostering a more positive internet and creating a personalized and inclusive experience. While still in the early testing stages, Pinterest looks forward to sharing additional insights and details as the feature evolves.
