AFP spoke to ISD’s Siddharth (Sid) Venkataramakrishnan about a growing wave of influencers profiting off young men’s insecurities, noting how the movement fuels an industry that promotes “perfect bodies and perfect faces.”

“Looksmaxxing”—a trend encouraging young men to do whatever it takes to achieve an unrealistic aesthetic—originated in the “manosphere,” a network of misogynistic online communities. It feeds into toxic beauty standards that cut across gendered lines, Sid explained.

“Among men, this is mixed with the misogyny of the manosphere, which often blames women for male insecurities, creating a toxic combination.”

“The idea that if you don’t look like a Hollywood star, you might as well give up trying for a relationship is deeply damaging,” he added.

This article was originally published by AFP and syndicated across other outlets.