Total votes
5-11 votes
11-16+ votes
Louis Theroux’s “Inside the Manosphere” has sparked conversations around the kind of online content influencing our young people, especially boys and young men. Views and subcultures previously found in fringe spaces are being brought into the mainstream and the strange world of looksmaxxing is a prime example. Emerging from message boards dedicated to pick-up artistry and so-called incel culture, looksmaxxing focuses on improving physical appearance to increase social status, particularly when it comes to dating success. Ranging from seemingly harmless advice around skincare and fitness (softmaxxing) to a darker world of DIY “bonesmashing” programmes to alter facial structure (hardmaxxing), looksmaxxing’s influence is becoming harder to ignore. For some, it is just part of self-improvement but to others, it’s part of a dangerous online community. With many adults unaware of this new culture, we wanted to ask young people what they think of the growing influence of looksmaxxing.
Secondary, 16+ & College voters discussed, “Is the influence of looksmaxxing a good thing?”, while Primary 9-11 voters were asked, “Is there too much focus on appearance?”, and Primary 5-9 voters considered, “Do you know how to listen to your body?”
48,064 young people in the UK have taken part in this vote.
We think there is too much focus on our appearance the way we look and [...] people change their appearance because of people that they see on TV or on Social Media.
Looksmaxxing can be very dangerous, so it is best to avoid these extremes. Softmaxxing is a better approach to health and fitness.
Looksmaxxing can be beneficial to some if they take better care of themselves [...] their confidence and self-esteem can be boosted.
