Mogging, -maxxing, and Clavicular, briefly explained
Vox
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The internet subculture known as looksmaxxing has surged into the mainstream, driven by figures like Clavicular (Braden Peters), a 20-year-old creator who gained notoriety for extreme methods to enhance his appearance. Looksmaxxing revolves around achieving aesthetic perfection through body modification, often involving dangerous techniques like smashing the face with a hammer or taking testosterone and methamphetamines. This trend has intersected with politics, as Clavicular has commented on the 2028 presidential race, arguing that California Gov. Gavin Newsom would win because he is more attractive than Vice President JD Vance.
The looksmaxxers are part of a broader online ecosystem that overlaps with communities like incels and adheres to the belief that physical appearance dictates self-worth. They prioritize social dominance over others by looking better, often using made-up terms like "mogging" (being the most attractive person in a group) to describe their pursuit of aesthetic superiority. This subculture’s influence extends beyond aesthetics into politics, as Clavicular has interacted with influential figures like Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, who are linked to manosphere extremism.
Clavicular’s rise to prominence highlights the trend’s ability to capture attention and influence public discourse. For example, his viral moment at a Miami nightclub, where he danced to Kanye West’s “Heil Hitler,” sparked controversy and forced city officials to respond. This incident underscores how looksmaxxing is not just about appearance but also about leveraging popularity to shape cultural and political conversations.
The significance of looksmaxxing lies in its ability to merge aesthetics with extremism, creating a platform for figures like Clavicular to influence politics through their online presence. The trend’s dangerous practices and ties to violent ideologies raise concerns about its impact on social dynamics and public perception of leadership. As this subculture continues to grow, understanding its connection between appearance, dominance, and political engagement becomes crucial for anyone interested in the intersection of culture and politics.
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Originally published on Vox on 2/22/2026