Looksmaxxing

Should I worry?

The main risk is appearance pressure: a teen who starts rating his face and body against a "perfect" standard can slide into constant comparison, anxiety about his looks, and unhealthy eating or exercise habits. Watch for new secrecy around mirrors, photos and meals, harsh comments about his own face, skipped meals or rigid food rules, a sudden fixation on fitness or grooming products, and pulling back from friends. Not every teen who is curious about grooming or fitness is in trouble; the concern is when it becomes obsessive or self-critical. Stay calm, ask open questions about what he follows and how it makes him feel, and consider talking with your doctor if you see lasting distress or changes in eating.

How to join in

Looksmaxxing is online slang for working to "maximize" how attractive you look. Much of it is ordinary stuff like skincare, haircuts, posture and exercise, and the appeal for teens is clear: they want to feel confident and fit in, and creators make it look like a game with a visible score. A good way in is to ask him what he has picked up, which creators he finds interesting, and what he thinks is useful versus over the top. You can share what you worried about at his age.

Sources

• Creator-driven push to radically 'optimize' looks reaches teen boys; experts link extreme versions to body dysmorphia and eating problems.