Research sheds light on the impact of looksmaxxing on boys and young men

The Centre for Young Lives has published research, supported by the National Education Union, examining online masculinity content and ‘looksmaxxing’, and its impact on boys and young men. The report, titled ‘Don’t blame life, blame your face’, is the first national study on looksmaxxing and is part of the ‘Big Tech’s Little Victims’ campaign. Researchers created alias accounts posing as a 14-year-old boy, carried out 11 expert interviews and held group discussions involving 33 boys and young men aged 13 to 18. Additional data was also gathered through an anonymous questionnaire for young people and a call for evidence. The findings highlight the slippery slope of exposure to looksmaxxing content and to increasingly extreme ideologies, including misogyny and far-right views. The authors recommend a series of measures for social media to sit alongside the Government’s recently announced social media ban for under 16s, including “shifting the burden of proof onto social media platforms to prove that they are safe to use.” Further recommendations include providing support for schools in relation to masculinity, gender norms and body image, a stronger evidence base and improved access to mental health services. The report also makes recommendations relating to exercise and gym environments, including further research into exercise supplements and training for those working with young people in gyms. Read more about the research and access the report here.