The Dangerous Rise of 'Looksmaxxing' and Bone Smashing Among Young Men
This opinion piece critiques the disturbing trend of 'looksmaxxing,' a DIY self-improvement regime where young men attempt to alter their facial structures to meet perceived aesthetic standards. The article highlights extreme practices such as 'bonesmashing,' where individuals use hammers to create microfractures in their jawlines, believing this will enhance their attractiveness to potential partners. Influenced by online 'alpha male' content creators and emerging from incel communities, this phenomenon reflects a dystopian shift in modern courting and body image. The author contrasts these dangerous, millimetre-specific anatomical obsessions with traditional dating methods, expressing deep concern over the physical and psychological toll on young adults. The trend is described as a sad, torturous pursuit of perfection driven by social media metrics and toxic masculinity, raising alarms about the mental health crisis facing today's youth in their quest for validation and romantic success.
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The Dangerous Rise of 'Looksmaxxing' and Bone Smashing Among Young Men
This opinion piece critiques the disturbing trend of 'looksmaxxing,' a DIY self-improvement regime where young men attempt to alter their facial structures to meet perceived aesthetic standards. The article highlights extreme practices such as 'bonesmashing,' where individuals use hammers to create microfractures in their jawlines, believing this will enhance their attractiveness to potential partners. Influenced by online 'alpha male' content creators and emerging from incel communities, this phenomenon reflects a dystopian shift in modern courting and body image. The author contrasts these dangerous, millimetre-specific anatomical obsessions with traditional dating methods, expressing deep concern over the physical and psychological toll on young adults. The trend is described as a sad, torturous pursuit of perfection driven by social media metrics and toxic masculinity, raising alarms about the mental health crisis facing today's youth in their quest for validation and romantic success.
theaustralian