Gen Z boys have grown up immersed in social media.
Social media is reshaping how young men perceive masculinity, with trends like looksmaxxing and testosterone-maxxing gaining alarming traction among teenagers and young adults.
These movements, often promoted online, focus on extreme physical enhancement through supplements, hormones, or surgical interventions, raising urgent medical and ethical concerns.
What starts as casual grooming tips can escalate into dangerous practices that compromise both physical and mental health.
Experts warn that the influence of online communities is profound, leaving vulnerable young men exposed to exploitative narratives.
Awareness and intervention can help prevent potentially lifelong harm while fostering healthier approaches to self-image.
Teen boys are increasingly reporting dissatisfaction with their bodies, with research suggesting up to 80% feel the need to alter their appearance.
The Evolution of Looksmaxxing
Looksmaxxing spans a wide spectrum, from softmaxxing, including skincare and grooming, to high-risk behaviours like steroid use and cosmetic surgery, known as hardmaxxing.
Hardmaxxing can involve severe dieting, called starvemaxxing, or dangerous practices such as “bone-smashing,” which carry serious physical risks.
About 25% of male adolescents are specifically concerned with muscularity and leanness, seeking more defined physiques.
Online communities normalise these methods, presenting them as shortcuts to attractiveness regardless of medical advice.
TikTok and YouTube are primary platforms where young men regularly encounter influencer content promoting these methods.
Over 60% of males aged 16 to 25 engage with at least one online masculinity influencer, further reinforcing extreme appearance ideals.
The Testosterone-Maxxing Phenomenon
Testosterone-maxxing involves attempts to boost hormone levels via lifestyle changes, supplements, or synthetic hormones, often without medical supervision.
These practices aim to enhance masculinity, muscle mass, or confidence, but can disrupt natural hormone balance.
Healthy testosterone levels typically range from 450 to 600 ng/dL, peaking in the mid-20s and gradually declining with age.
Artificial manipulation increases risks of cardiovascular problems, liver damage, infertility, and mood disorders.
Substance use is common, with roughly 75% of young boys and men reporting appearance- or performance-enhancing products such as protein powders, supplements, or even steroids.
Social media exposure intensifies pressure, as algorithms highlight content equating masculinity with physical dominance and hyper-masculine ideals.
Experts emphasise that unnecessary hormone use leaves young men vulnerable to exploitation and long-term health consequences.
Health and Mental Implications
Physical dangers include cardiovascular disease, liver damage, infertility, and long-term injury from extreme practices.
Drastic dieting and unverified enhancement methods are particularly alarming.
Mental health consequences are equally concerning, with anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction rising among adolescent boys.
Over one-third of teens report feeling “upset” or “ashamed” about their bodies due to social media comparisons, while 40% of young people admit images online make them worry about appearance.
Photo editing is commonplace, with more than 70% of users, including boys, altering images before sharing.
Increased screen time directly correlates with reduced body satisfaction, triggering obsessive thoughts about looks.
Social Dynamics Driving the Trends
These trends thrive in online spaces offering anonymity, community, and validation, particularly for boys exploring masculinity and self-image.
The movement’s roots trace back to misogynistic “manosphere” ideologies, framing male worth around appearance and encouraging resentment toward women.
Gen Z boys have grown up immersed in social media, intensifying pressures through constant exposure to “fitspiration” and influencer content.
For boys, dissatisfaction often centres on height, muscularity, or leanness, unlike girls, who feel pressure to be thinner.
Families are encouraged to discuss social media and body image openly, as parental support has been shown to buffer the negative effects of appearance-based comparisons.
Forums and influencer content provide guidance that appears supportive but frequently normalises harmful behaviours.
Social reinforcement makes resisting extreme practices challenging, as belonging to these communities feels essential.
Redefining Healthy Masculinity
Looksmaxxing and testosterone-maxxing are more than online trends; they represent a growing public health concern affecting young men physically and mentally.
The influence of social media, exploitative influencers, and community validation drives unsafe practices with lasting consequences.
Encouraging evidence-based approaches to self-image and masculinity is vital to counter these trends.
Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must engage in open conversations about risks and unrealistic standards.
Promoting safe grooming, fitness, and well-being practices can replace harmful shortcuts.
Redefining masculinity to include emotional health, self-acceptance, and resilience is essential to mitigate the dangers of extreme appearance enhancement.
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