“Looksmaxxing,” an online subculture often geared toward young boys and men, focuses on maximizing physical attractiveness, sometimes through extreme measures. A major aspect of the trend is toxic gym culture and the use of muscle-enhancing products, including creatine, which can pose risks for adolescents. In this research spotlight from Michigan News, Institute for Social Research professor Philip Veliz discusses the social media trend driving the rapid rise in performance-enhancing product use.
