Social media has recently witnessed a growing prevalence of the term 'Looksmaxxing', which has become a symbol of a masculine culture centered around the obsession with improving appearance. This phenomenon attracts young people and adolescents in the self-discovery phase, as many strive to embody what they consider the 'ideal model of masculinity', according to Jason Firstein, who holds a master's degree in psychology and is the founder of a psychological consulting center for men.
This pursuit drives some young individuals to use steroids and hormones, and to undergo surgical practices to alter facial proportions, jaw width, and cheekbones, aiming to achieve an 'attractive masculine face' with sharp features and a strong jawline, as noted by Natalie Kitroeff, host of the podcast 'The Daily' at the New York Times.
Event Details
Global sales of men's beauty and skincare products are projected to exceed $5 billion by 2027, raising concerns among experts about the spread of the 'ideal face and body' culture and the accompanying mental disorders such as anxiety and eating disorders. Journalist Joseph Bernstein explains that a man's status in the 20th century was linked to job stability and the ability to support a family, but this model has eroded with the rapid pace of modern life.
With declining job opportunities and the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence, achieving economic stability has become challenging, prompting many to seek alternatives to compensate for the decline of traditional status. In this context, a new vision of masculinity has emerged, focusing on the 'ideal body' and the 'muscular dominant man'.
Background & Context
Social media platforms have contributed to solidifying the idea that faces and bodies are measurable and improvable projects. Videos explaining how to analyze jaw angles and cheekbones and classify perceived 'flaws' are widespread, along with recipes for increasing muscle mass or losing weight. In addition to traditional skincare content, bizarre tips have emerged, such as sticking the tongue to the roof of the mouth to define the jaw, and even more dangerous practices like repeatedly tapping facial bones.
The BBC presented an example of a young man named Lee Marvin (26 years old) who rates himself a 7 out of 10 and expresses dissatisfaction with his appearance. Marvin uses an app to analyze his face and starts his day with intense workouts, performing specific exercises to define his jaw, documenting these rituals through videos on TikTok.
Impact & Consequences
Jason Firstein believes that 'improving appearance' has become a growing trend encouraging young people to follow an intensive personal care routine, which may extend to cosmetic surgeries and radical body modifications. Although promoted as a means of self-improvement, Firstein describes it as a toxic trend, where young individuals seek a false sense of attractiveness and acceptance.
Kristin Roberti-Browning, an eating disorder specialist, warns that the rise of mental health issues increases the likelihood of young people engaging in harmful behaviors. 'Self-improvement' becomes detrimental when anxiety is the primary motivator, leading to a decline in quality of life and relationships.
Regional Significance
This phenomenon is increasing in the Arab world, where young people face social and cultural pressures driving them to enhance their appearance. Societal messages linking masculinity to muscularity may lead to low self-esteem for many. Therefore, experts emphasize the importance of promoting a self-improvement concept that focuses on mental health and self-acceptance.
In conclusion, we must remember that feeling dissatisfied with certain body features is a human experience, but what is more important is learning to accept oneself and deal with these feelings in safe ways.