Scroll a teenage boy’s social feed and alongside games and sports you may find looksmaxxing — an online movement urging extreme changes to one’s face and body to reach an idealized appearance. While many teens take pride in working out or grooming, looksmaxxing pushes some toward dangerous measures such as steroids, elective surgeries, or even self-harmful practices promoted in fringe corners of the internet.
Gene Beresin, executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, says he has seen a marked rise in appearance-focused behavior among boys over the last decade. Unlike historic beauty fads that mainly affected girls, this movement centers on achieving “ascendancy” — the idea that perfecting one’s looks is the key to happiness, success and sexual attention. That single-minded focus can lead to serious physical and mental health problems, including eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
Origins and risks
Looksmaxxing has roots in incel communities, which advance misogynistic views that equate worth with physical attractiveness. Social media amplifies a range of advice, from harmless skincare and workout tips to outright harmful practices like “bonesmashing” (deliberately fracturing facial bones to change jaw shape). Some high-profile promoters have blamed drugs and steroids for rapid transformations; one streamer linked to such content was hospitalized during a livestream after dangerous behaviors.
Experts also warn of looksmaxxing’s ties to white supremacist beauty standards. The movement often elevates an angular, typically white “Chad” ideal and treats those who don’t match it as genetically inferior, reinforcing racist and eugenicist ideas.
Signs to watch for
Parents and caregivers should notice changes in how a boy talks about his appearance and behavior:
– Frequent complaints about not looking good enough or comparing himself to others
– Sudden changes in eating habits or extreme dieting
– Obsessive focus on specific body parts or facial features
– Requests for elective surgery (jaw surgery is commonly promoted in these circles)
– Secretive purchases or use of supplements, steroids, or other substances
Because adolescents are especially vulnerable, early recognition and intervention matter.
How to talk with boys about it
Start early and make appearance and self-esteem conversations routine, even in preschool. Aim for curiosity and connection rather than criticism:
– Ask open questions: How do you feel about how you look? What do you like or dislike about that avatar or workout routine?
– Listen and validate feelings without judgment. Creating a pattern of supportive conversations makes it easier for kids to open up later.
– Use their interests as entry points. Discussing a game’s avatar choice or why they follow certain influencers can naturally lead to deeper talks about values and body image.
– Be aware that many boys are socialized to hide emotions. It may take time and repeated, gentle prompts to break down those walls.
Redirect and build resilience
Help teens develop identities beyond appearance. Encourage creative and skill-building activities — coding, building websites, art, sports, music — that let them create rather than just consume content. These “third spaces” can shift focus from obsession with looks to sustained, productive interests that build confidence and long-term benefits.
When to get help
If a child shows signs of severe distress, disordered eating, substance use, or is pursuing risky surgeries, seek professional support. Early intervention from mental health professionals can address body image disorders and prevent escalating physical harm.
Bottom line
Looksmaxxing is a growing, sometimes dangerous online trend that can affect boys as much as girls. Parents and caregivers can reduce harm by noticing warning signs, opening nonjudgmental dialogues early, using interests as conversation starters, and helping young people build skills and identities that don’t hinge solely on appearance.