Incels Looksmaxxing
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Nov 19, 2025 Rupert Smalls, CEO of Egregious and researcher, joins freelance writer Simon Osborne and lifestyle editor Kispe Lopez for a deep dive into looks-maxing. They explore how online communities are reshaping male beauty standards and the darker side of self-improvement movements. From the bizarre trend of mewing to harmful practices like bone smashing, they highlight the physical and emotional toll on vulnerable young men. Kispe sheds light on transmaxing, revealing its roots in toxic narratives, while discussing the urgent need for media literacy.
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Looks-Maxing Defined And Focused
- Looks-maxing is a community-driven set of techniques aimed at optimizing facial and body appearance to improve life outcomes.
- The movement centers on hyper-masculine facial ideals like hardened jawlines and "hunter eyes."
When Self-Improvement Turns Harmful
- High-level self-improvement goals can become harmful depending on the methods chosen.
- Rupert warns commercialization and exploitation of vulnerable men turns self-help into harm.
Influencer Transformation Story
- Kareem Shami transformed his appearance and became a major TikTok influencer with millions of followers.
- He founded Ascend Laboratories to coach aesthetic enhancements and monetize that journey.
