If you’ve spent time on Instagram Reels or TikTok recently, you may have heard of the influencer Clavicular. Perhaps you’ve encountered his devotion to looksmaxxing routines, which entail “bonesmashing” (striking one’s own jaw in hopes of the bones to fracture, ultimately growing back stronger and more chiseled) with the hopes of “mogging” (to appear physically superior to another). Looksmaxxing is a trend that refers to the process of optimizing one’s own physical attractiveness. Clavicular, among other figures, has helped popularize the idea among young people that improving one’s looks will result in a generally better quality of life. However, modern looksmaxxing and the principles behind it are counterproductive to building genuine self-worth.
Primarily, modern looksmaxxing centers around a way of thought that equates one’s value with their external attributes, negating the value of character and intellect. This view implicates how we think about human connection. While looksmaxxing influencers might say that connection stems from exterior qualities, the unique complexity that human beings possess suggests that our physical qualities make up only a small — if not negligible — part of our overall character. It’s perfectly normal to want to become more physically able when that desire stems from our own aims toward self-improvement. But physical quantities certainly don’t determine individual worth.
Additionally, looksmaxxing hinges on comparison. The popular verb “to mog,” for instance, is directly dependent on putting down another to uplift the self. Rarely does looksmaxxing exist in isolation, where the person wants to look better solely for themselves. While it is natural to feed off of external attention, the desire to “mog” others is like chasing a horizon. Because one can never objectively deem oneself the most attractive or the most intelligent, the pursuit of “mogging” will inevitably result in disappointment.
Many students may agree that a “mogging” culture is present on our campus. That is, it is common for students to compare test scores with their peers or fret over the number of leadership positions they hold. While some are more vocal than others, the desire to “mog” seems almost inevitable at a place with so many ambitious students. However, while it’s normal to be competitive, it becomes toxic when that is a student’s sole pursuit.
Whether in the realm of looksmaxxing, academically, or socially, trying to “mog” others will never give us the satisfaction that we’re chasing. Real success is derived not from constant comparison but from a genuine passion for learning and doing. While an obsession with being better than others seems to have taken over the internet, it need not exist at Andover. We should seek out opportunities and engage in activities for the sake of bringing joy to and bettering ourselves.
