TikTok's "LooksMaxxing" Trend Is a lot Darker Than You Think...

The video discusses the 'LooksMaxxing' trend on TikTok, which encourages extreme physical self-improvement for attractiveness. Originating from darker corners of the internet, it has gained popularity among Gen Z, contributing to their low self-esteem and obsession with beauty standards. The speaker, Salem, criticizes the trend for promoting a toxic and shallow culture that focuses on superficial changes, such as bone breaking for height or facial structure adjustments, rather than holistic self-improvement. Salem emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth beyond physical appearance, arguing that true self-worth is not determined by meeting unrealistic beauty standards.

Takeaways

• 📈 The 'LooksMaxxing' trend is a movement that has gone viral on TikTok, focusing on physical improvement to increase attractiveness, with origins from forums like Reddit and 4chan.
• 🤔 The trend may seem harmless but it has a darker side, potentially leading to toxic behavior and self-obsession, especially since it emerged from less savory corners of the internet.
• 📉 LooksMaxxing is tied to a broader issue of low self-esteem and the rising obsession with beauty standards within Generation Z, which can be counterproductive to personal well-being.
• 📱 The use of social media filters and the promotion of specific beauty practices, like mewing to achieve a sharper jawline, are part of the LooksMaxxing culture that has seeped into the mainstream.
• 😷 There is a critique of the generation's hypocrisy, where they decry the unfairness of beauty standards while simultaneously reviving and popularizing toxic beauty trends.
• 🧐 The speaker suggests that true self-improvement should not be solely focused on external appearance but should include overall health, personal development, and inner growth.
• 🚫 LooksMaxxing can create an unhealthy mindset where individuals believe that not meeting certain beauty standards means they are worthless or unable to achieve their goals.
• 🤷‍♀️ The trend is criticized for promoting an unrealistic and ever-changing set of beauty standards that can lead to a cycle of constant self-improvement without true fulfillment.
• 🌟 The video emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and self-love, suggesting that true attractiveness comes from within and not just from adhering to societal beauty standards.
• 👥 The community around LooksMaxxing is described as being overly critical and harsh, often targeting those who do not fit the idealized image, even babies and those not part of the community.
• 💔 There is a call for Gen Z to move away from the defeatist mentality and the constant comparison to others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth.

Q & A

What is the 'LooksMaxxing' trend discussed in the video?

LooksMaxxing is a movement, lifestyle, and trend that has gone viral on TikTok, which focuses on physical improvement of a person's body, bone structure, jawline, and facial features to make oneself more attractive or easier to like.

What is the origin of the term 'LooksMaxxing'?

The term 'LooksMaxxing' originated from forums on sites like 4chan and Reddit, and it has a somewhat dark past associated with it.

Why is the speaker concerned about discussing the 'LooksMaxxing' trend?

The speaker is concerned because the trend has its roots in the darker corners of the internet and they fear potential backlash or negative reactions from people who may disagree with their perspective.

How does the speaker feel about the 'LooksMaxxing' trend becoming popular on TikTok?

The speaker finds it surprising and strange that the 'LooksMaxxing' trend is becoming normalized on TikTok, given its origins and the potential for it to promote unhealthy and toxic beauty standards.

What is the connection between the 'LooksMaxxing' trend and Generation Z's self-esteem?

The trend is tied to Generation Z's obsession with beauty standards and can contribute to low self-esteem and self-consciousness, as it can create an environment where people feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals.

What is the role of social media filters in the 'LooksMaxxing' culture?

Social media filters are part of the 'LooksMaxxing' culture, allowing users to check their facial ratios and attractiveness percentages, which can contribute to the obsession with physical appearance and the desire to conform to certain beauty standards.

Why does the speaker believe that focusing solely on external beauty is a problem?

The speaker argues that focusing only on external beauty can lead to a toxic cycle of self-improvement that never ends, as beauty standards are constantly changing and can lead to self-hatred and a disregard for personal worth beyond appearance.

What is the speaker's stance on self-improvement?

The speaker supports self-improvement when it is done for the right reasons, such as personal health or genuine self-growth, but criticizes it when it is driven by a desire for external validation or to meet unattainable beauty standards.

How does the speaker describe the impact of the 'LooksMaxxing' trend on young men and women?

The speaker describes the impact as potentially harmful, as it can cause young men and women to view themselves and others with harsh judgment, fixate on insecurities, and engage in a never-ending chase for an unattainable standard of beauty.

What is the speaker's advice for viewers regarding the pursuit of beauty and self-improvement?

The speaker advises viewers to focus on self-improvement for themselves, not for external validation or to meet someone else's standards. They also encourage viewers to seek balance and to recognize that true worth comes from within, not from external appearances.

Why does the speaker mention the importance of turning off phones and having a self-care day?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking a break from the constant exposure to social media and societal pressures, suggesting that engaging in self-care activities can help individuals focus on their well-being and develop a healthier relationship with their self-image.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to the Looks Maxing Trend

The video begins with Salem discussing the recent 'Looks Maxing' trend on TikTok, which focuses on physical improvement to increase attractiveness. Salem expresses concern about the trend's origins in darker corners of the internet and its potential negative impact on self-esteem and mental health. The trend is linked to broader societal beauty standards and the influence of Gen Z's obsession with appearance.

05:01

📈 The Rise of Looks Maxing on Social Media

Salem delves into the rise of Looks Maxing on TikTok, noting the popularity of filters that rate attractiveness based on facial ratios. The video discusses the broader implications of such trends, including the promotion of unhealthy and unrealistic beauty standards. Salem criticizes the trend for promoting a shallow and toxic culture that can lead to self-hatred and obsession with superficial traits.

10:03

🧐 The Pressures of Attractiveness and Self-Worth

The speaker explores the societal pressures that lead individuals, particularly Gen Z, to pursue looks maxing. They discuss the false narratives that suggest attractiveness leads to success and the paradox of beauty standards that are both unattainable and constantly changing. Salem emphasizes the importance of self-improvement for personal growth rather than seeking external validation.

15:04

🚫 The Flaws in Pursuing Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Salem criticizes the looks maxing culture for causing individuals to scrutinize themselves and others harshly. They argue that the constant comparison to unattainable beauty standards and the focus on external validation is detrimental. The video points out that true attractiveness goes beyond physical appearance and that self-worth should not be solely based on looks.

20:07

💔 The Dangers of External Validation and Self-Hatred

The final paragraph addresses the potential for self-hatred and the pursuit of beauty standards out of a place of self-loathing. Salem encourages viewers to focus on individuality and self-improvement for personal satisfaction rather than seeking validation from others. They remind the audience that true beauty fades, and what remains is one's character and inner qualities.

Keywords

LooksMaxxing

LooksMaxxing is a term referring to a movement, lifestyle, and trend that focuses on physical improvement of a person's body, bone structure, jawline, and facial features to increase attractiveness. In the video, it is discussed as a trend that has moved from darker corners of the internet like 4chan and Reddit to mainstream platforms like TikTok, where it has been criticized for promoting potentially harmful beauty standards.

Canel Tilt

Canel Tilt is a concept within the LooksMaxxing trend that refers to the angle of a person's jawline in relation to their face. A 'positive canel tilt' is seen as more attractive, while a 'negative canel tilt' is viewed negatively. The video mentions a popular TikTok filter that would rate a person's canel tilt, indicating its importance in the LooksMaxxing culture.

Mewing

Mewing is a technique that involves proper tongue posture to potentially improve facial structure and appearance, particularly the jawline. It is part of the LooksMaxxing trend and is mentioned in the video as an example of the extreme measures people might take to improve their looks.

Beauty Standards

Beauty standards are the criteria or traits that a culture or society considers attractive. The video discusses how these standards are constantly changing and can lead to obsession and self-consciousness, especially within Generation Z, where the pressure to conform to these standards is particularly high.

Generation Z

Generation Z, often abbreviated as Gen Z, refers to the demographic cohort following Millennials, typically those born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. The video highlights that Gen Z is particularly self-conscious and influenced by beauty trends, with a significant portion of them struggling with mental health issues and self-image problems.

Toxic Beauty Trends

Toxic beauty trends are those that promote unhealthy or unrealistic ideals of beauty, often leading to negative self-image and mental health issues. The video criticizes such trends for being shallow and for promoting a culture where individuals are valued based on their appearance rather than their character or achievements.

Self-Improvement

Self-improvement refers to the process of enhancing one's knowledge, skills, or personal development. In the context of the video, self-improvement is contrasted with the superficial focus on physical appearance promoted by LooksMaxxing, advocating for a more holistic approach that includes mental and emotional well-being.

External Validation

External validation is the need for approval or acceptance from others. The video discusses how the LooksMaxxing trend and the pursuit of beauty standards are driven by a desire for external validation, which can lead to a focus on superficial traits at the expense of personal character and substance.

Halo Effect

The halo effect is a cognitive bias where the perception of one trait (e.g., physical attractiveness) influences the perception of other traits (e.g., intelligence or kindness). The video mentions this effect in the context of beauty standards, noting that it can lead to unfair advantages for those perceived as more attractive.

Pretty Privilege

Pretty privilege refers to the advantages or preferential treatment that attractive individuals may receive in various social and professional situations. The video discusses this concept as part of the broader conversation on beauty standards and the societal pressures to conform to them.

NPC (Non-Player Character)

In the context of the video, an NPC is used metaphorically to describe someone who mindlessly follows societal norms or trends without individual thought or personal conviction. The video speaker warns against becoming an NPC by blindly adhering to beauty standards and trends.

Highlights

The 'LooksMaxxing' trend on TikTok involves extreme measures to improve physical attractiveness, including bone breaking for height.

LooksMaxxing originated from darker corners of the internet like 4chan and Reddit before becoming popular on TikTok.

The trend is linked to a toxic culture that devalues individuals based on their appearance.

LooksMaxxing is associated with 'chan' culture and an obsession with beauty standards.

TikTok filters related to LooksMaxxing, like the 'Canel Tilt' filter, have been criticized for promoting superficiality.

The movement promotes an unhealthy focus on physical improvement to the point of self-hatred.

LooksMaxxing can lead to a never-ending cycle of self-improvement based on unattainable beauty standards.

The trend is popular among Gen Z, a generation that is highly self-conscious and struggles with self-image issues.

LooksMaxxing is criticized for causing people to become overly obsessed with superficial traits rather than personal growth.

The video discusses the dark past of LooksMaxxing and its normalization on social media platforms.

The trend is seen as hypocritical, with Gen Z often criticizing beauty standards while simultaneously promoting them.

LooksMaxxing is part of a larger issue where Gen Z is the most mentally ill, self-conscious, and lonely generation.

The video suggests that true self-improvement involves personal development and not just physical changes.

LooksMaxxing can lead to negative self-image and mental health issues due to its focus on unattainable beauty standards.

The video encourages viewers to focus on self-improvement for personal satisfaction rather than seeking external validation.

LooksMaxxing is part of a larger societal issue where attractiveness is falsely linked to success and opportunities.

The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of inner beauty and character over physical appearance.