Do you remember where you were when the term “frame mogged” entered the lexicon? Or perhaps you’ve seen the viral clips of Braden Peters, known online as Clavicular, alongside figures like Andrew Tate and white nationalist Nick Fuentes? Whether you’re familiar with the world of “looksmaxxing” or not, this internet subculture has rapidly moved from niche online forums into mainstream conversation, sparking debate about beauty standards, social dominance, and the potential for extremist ideologies.
At the center of this phenomenon is Clavicular, a 20-year-old content creator who has amassed a significant following by offering advice on optimizing physical attractiveness. But his influence extends beyond skincare routines and cosmetic procedures. He’s weighed in on political matters, and his associations with controversial figures have drawn scrutiny, raising questions about the intersection of online culture, extremism, and the pursuit of physical perfection. Understanding this complex landscape requires a look at the core concepts driving it – namely, looksmaxxing and “mogging” – and the figure who has develop into synonymous with both.
What is Looksmaxxing?
Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, began posting online around age 15, participating in looksmaxxing forums dedicated to achieving aesthetic perfection through body modification, according to reporting from The Atlantic. Looksmaxxing, at its core, is a pursuit of physical optimization, often involving extreme measures. As Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic, explained, the community centers around the belief that appearance is paramount to self-worth and social success. This can lead to practices ranging from intense fitness regimes and cosmetic surgery to, in Clavicular’s case, more unconventional and potentially dangerous methods.
Warzel notes that looksmaxxing often overlaps with other online communities, including those associated with involuntary celibacy, or “incels,” some of which have links to violent extremism. Still, the central tenet of looksmaxxing remains the relentless pursuit of physical improvement, driven by the idea that looking better than others is the key to dominance and success.
The Language of Looksmaxxing: Mogging and Jestermaxxing
The looksmaxxing community has developed its own unique lexicon, adding another layer of complexity to the subculture. One key term is “mogging,” which, as Warzel explains, means looking significantly more attractive than someone else. It’s derived from an acronym – “alpha male of the group” (MOG) – highlighting the emphasis on social hierarchy and dominance. Another term, “jestermaxxing,” refers to being jovial and having fun.
These terms aren’t simply playful slang; they reflect a worldview where physical attractiveness is directly tied to social power. The objective, according to Warzel, isn’t just about looking good, but about exerting dominance over others and achieving social status.
Who is Clavicular and What Has He Done?
Clavicular gained notoriety not only for his looksmaxxing advice but as well for his increasingly controversial actions. He reportedly injected his 17-year-old girlfriend with cosmetic peptides on a livestream, sparking widespread condemnation for exploiting a minor and promoting unsafe medical practices, as reported by The Guardian. He has also publicly discussed extreme measures he’s taken to alter his appearance, including allegedly smashing his face with a hammer, believing that broken bones would grow back stronger. He claims to have started taking testosterone at age 14 or 15 to accelerate puberty and has reportedly used methamphetamine to hollow out his cheeks.
More recently, Clavicular has been seen in the company of controversial figures. He was filmed in Miami with Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, chanting along to Kanye West’s song containing lyrics referencing “Heil Hitler,” a moment that drew significant backlash and prompted a response from the mayor of Miami, according to The Daily Dot. This incident underscores the connections between the looksmaxxing community and far-right ideologies.
The incident at Arizona State University, where Clavicular was described as being “brutally frame mogged” by a fraternity leader, went viral and became a popular meme, as detailed in a report by MSN. The phrase itself, whereas seemingly absurd, quickly spread across social media, becoming a shorthand for being visually outmatched.
Why Does This Matter?
While the practices and language of looksmaxxing may seem superficial or even ridiculous, Warzel argues that the phenomenon is not without consequence. He describes Clavicular and his associates as “extremely effective attention hijackers,” capable of leveraging their online popularity to gain access to influential figures and spread their ideologies. The fact that Clavicular’s associations have drawn condemnation from public officials highlights the potential for this subculture to have real-world impact.
The core issue, Warzel suggests, isn’t necessarily the content itself, but the underlying implications of its popularity. The rise of figures like Clavicular raises questions about the values being promoted online and the potential for these values to contribute to harmful ideologies and behaviors.
As the looksmaxxing community continues to evolve and gain visibility, it’s crucial to understand the motivations and beliefs driving it. The intersection of appearance, social dominance, and online extremism presents a complex challenge, and ongoing scrutiny is necessary to assess its potential impact on society. The story of Clavicular serves as a stark reminder of the power of internet culture and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.
What do you think about the rise of looksmaxxing and its influence on young men? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
