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A growing phenomenon on social media is encouraging young men to “maximize” their appearance.

Called the looksmaxxing craze, the movement is obsessed with pursuing the “ideal” face and body. It mirrors comparable social media phenomena, known as softmaxxing and hardmaxxing, which promote everything from intensive grooming routines to surgical interventions and extreme physical alterations.

Although advocates say these behaviors can be confidence-building, psychologists warn they can provoke body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other harmful behaviors.

One therapist described this trend as a “online-created body dysmorphia craze.”

“Adolescents can succumb to this false sense of approval, and what they believe others desire from them,” he explained. “They can get trapped in potentially lifelong struggles with feeling inadequacy and handling that inadequacy.”

He went on to explain that “People will focus their energies on changing their physique based on emotions of inferiority or inadequacy.”

“Men can get caught in a cycle of trying to ‘fix’ their looks, but as therapists, we know that if you’re feeling not good enough or inferior, those are the core problems to address with a trained professional.”

What Are the Differences Between the Three Main Movements?

While the terminology differs, the phenomena all have one thing in commonality: the drive to compulsively change one’s appearance.

“This trend is fundamentally personal development put on overdrive. It’s reframing the male physique as something to be designed,” the expert explained.

While the softer approach involves subtler adjustments to one’s looks, often achieved through grooming and habit changes, hardmaxxing is more radical.

“It includes serious procedures to transform your appearance, including rhinoplasty, Botox, hair transplants, and chin surgery. The clear problem with this is that once you open that door, it’s difficult to close the lid,” he noted.

Another eating disorder specialist explained the differences.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good, and caring for your appearance can build self-esteem and be positive. But the major distinction is that looksmaxxing is rooted in self-loathing and trying to fit in, at the cost of your health and security,” she stated.

“Hardmaxxing, meanwhile, appears to be venturing into dangerous territory, particularly some of its linked behaviors, like smashing your face with a blunt object.”

The Reasons Looksmaxxing Is Particularly Popular With Teenagers

What makes looksmaxxing seem to be resonating with young men in such high numbers?

One therapist explained that young men, especially adolescents, are often at a phase of their lives when they are still figuring out who they are, and many may be searching for ways to project what they view as “the ‘ideal’ version of manhood.”

He also suggests movements like this one may be related to incel culture and the manosphere.

“It started in recent years, with male gurus promoting specific views of masculinity. These kinds of ‘masculine’ figures have led some men down a harmful path,” he commented.

Another specialist shared a different perspective about possible contributing factors.

“Psychological struggles and loneliness are also widespread right now, making this demographic particularly susceptible,” she noted.

The Line Separating Positive Self-Improvement and Unhealthy Behaviors

Recognizing the line separating taking pride in your looks and an unhealthy obsession with how you look can be difficult for many people.

“Self-improvement practices become problematic when anxiety is the primary motivator; when your rituals are consuming so much headspace that you can’t be present in your life and connections,” one specialist explained.

There are several risks associated with these kinds of detrimental behaviors.

“Eating disorders and dangerous actions are often connected to body dysmorphia, anxiety, and low self-esteem,” she continued.

“Men are at risk of feeling shame around their physiques due to societal messaging that they should be fit and fit. And for some men, it can feel like a threat to their masculinity and self-esteem.”

The other expert said that, for some individuals who attempt to make solely superficial changes to their body, it can lead to harmful, obsessive psychological needs.

“It can escalate quickly, and you may believe you must do something to help yourself feel better rather than feeling comfortable in your own body.”

Ultimately, he said, positive personal growth typically isn’t represented by the kind of self-care material that’s popular on social media platforms.

“It’s about nurturing yourself from the inside out,” he concluded.

Strategies for Practising Body Positivity

Developing greater self-acceptance isn’t something that happens overnight, but there are healthy steps you can implement to begin that process.

Firstly, having mixed emotions about your appearance is valid and understandable.

One therapist recommended “exploring” that and discovering an creative expression for it.

“Artistic expression is a great way to let those feelings out in a way that might even be fun. Consider drawing, collaging, or creating a journal to document your experiences,” she advised.

Although social media use can fuel unhealthy behaviors and feelings, there are methods to reduce these dangers.

“Follow profiles that promote body acceptance and positive male role models. Or follow people who don’t fit into the limited definition of masculinity promoted by the mainstream,” she