A concerning online trend known as “looksmaxxing” is gaining traction among teen boys and young men, raising questions about body image, self-esteem, and mental health.
Originally emerging from niche online communities, the concept of looksmaxxing refers to the idea of maximizing one’s physical appearance to reach what participants call their ideal level of attractiveness. For some, this may involve common self-improvement habits like grooming, fitness, or skincare. But in many online spaces, the trend can escalate to extreme and potentially dangerous measures, all in pursuit of achieving what looksmaxxers refer to as “Ascension”—their version of the ultimate standard of beauty.
As the trend spreads across social media platforms and online forums, mental health professionals are becoming increasingly concerned about the messages young men are receiving about their worth and appearance.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Jen Hartstein of Hartstein Psychological Services recently joined NBC News to discuss the growing popularity of looksmaxxing, why the trend is resonating with young men online, and how it can lead to unhealthy thinking patterns around body image, self-esteem, and social comparison.
Watch the full NBC News interview with Dr. Jen Hartstein to learn more about the looksmaxxing trend and its potential impact on young men’s mental health.
