TikTok Subculture: The Art of “Maxxing”

by Mehreen Zahid, Contributing Author

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Introduction

“Maxxing” on TikTok refers to a subculture or trend where individuals focus on maximizing a particular aspect of their lives to achieve an ideal or optimized version of themselves. This could involve "looksmaxxing" (enhancing one’s physical appearance through skincare, fitness, or styling), "healthmaxxing" (prioritizing health and wellness through diet, exercise, and mental health practices), or "wealthmaxxing" (strategizing to increase financial success). The concept revolves around the idea of self-improvement and personal optimization, often with the goal of achieving a certain standard of beauty, success, or lifestyle as seen on social media. The idea of Maxxing originates from popular message boards commonly visited by men such as Lookism.net before becoming popular on platforms such as 4Chan and Reddit. It has now made its way over to TikTok, where we can see boys as young as 12 years old practicing “smellmaxxing,” which refers to the pursuit of improving one’s personal scent or fragrance to enhance attractiveness or personal appeal. However, while maxxing can encourage self-improvement and motivation, it can also promote unrealistic standards and pressures, leading viewers to feel inadequate if they don't meet these ideals. For example, some viewers have stated that “looksmaxxing,” is unhealthy, promotes an unrealistic picture of beauty, promotes eating disorders, and is a form of body dysmorphia. This trend is a great example of having a positive intention which could quickly lead to hyper fixation and further insecurities. Viewers should be advised that as great as it is to focus on oneself for improvement. 

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TLDR

“Maxxing” on TikTok is a trend where individuals aim to enhance aspects of their lives, such as appearance (looksmaxxing), health (healthmaxxing), or wealth (wealthmaxxing), to achieve an idealized version of themselves. While it promotes self-improvement and motivation, it can also lead to unrealistic standards and pressures, potentially causing issues like body dysmorphia or eating disorders. Viewers should approach maxxing with caution, focusing on balanced self-improvement rather than perfection.

Tips for Clinicians & Parents

1. Focus on Health, Not Perfection: Emphasize the importance of setting realistic goals with your children rather than striving for an unattainable standard. Promote health & wellbeing, discussing Maxxing in terms of overall wellness, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise.

   
   

2. Praise Efforts, Not Just Results: Building a growth mindset can be hard, but praising efforts and overall progress builds resilience in children. Highlight over and over again that effort is just as praiseworthy as results.

   
   

3. Encourage Self Compassion: Social media can promote many insecurities within the younger population. Promote self-compassion, teaching children to value their unique qualities and strengths. From a skill-perspective, encourage them to unfollow content creators who lower their self-esteem. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Encourages motivation and positive habits

• Goal setting and emphasis of health & wellness

• Self-empowerment 

Cons

• Unrealistic standards

• Comparative anxiety, pressure to conform 

• Body dysmorphia and overemphasis on appearance 

Relevant Links

• https://theweek.com/health/looksmaxxing-the-tiktok-cosmetic-trend-reshaping-faces

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yczDnuVqddA

• https://www.hercampus.com/school/nottingham/max-your-potential-just-a-tiktok-trendor-something-darker/