AcadResearcher
Iron
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2026
- Posts
- 3
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Hi I am master’s student from Utrecht University conducting research for my thesis on how young men experience body modification and body images within online looksmaxxing communities.
I’m looking to speak with people aged 18–25 who are familiar with looksmaxxing.
I’m interested in hearing from all types of participants, including:
If you:
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OTHER INFO:
- For anyone and everyone interested: No, you don't have to show your face! Voice recordings will be deleted and destroyed upon transcribing! All identifiable information is anonymised and redacted! You can be introverted or extroverted! You can be Greys to Chromatic! I accept and welcome all participants as long as you are male and aged 18 - 25! You can be an incel or not, a blackpiller or not, a redpiller or not.
- Your participation would make a meaningful contribution to an area that has received very little academic attention. This is one of the first studies to explore looksmaxxing from the perspective of those who have lived it. By sharing your experiences, you can ensure that the voices of community members are represented in academic research, rather than being discussed without their input.
- Please know that everything you share will be treated with care and confidentiality.
There are no right or wrong answers. The interview is a space for you to share your perspective openly and without judgment.
Thank you for considering taking part in my research! Feel free to reach out to me :)
I’m looking to speak with people aged 18–25 who are familiar with looksmaxxing.
I’m interested in hearing from all types of participants, including:
- Those who have tried high-commitment or physically demanding looksmaxxing methods (i.e., methods that go beyond basic grooming or 'softmaxxing’)
- Those who have considered more extreme methods but have not tried them
- Those who participate in the community but choose to stick to safer/basic approaches
- Those who have left the community or distanced themselves from it
- Be confidential and anonymised (no real names, usernames, or identifying details will be used in the thesis)
- Last about 45–60 minutes, conducted via Teams call and/or email interview
- Focus on your experiences, views, and feelings—there are no right or wrong answers
If you:
- Are 18–25,
- Have experience with looksmaxxing communities.
- And are interested in sharing your perspective,
====
OTHER INFO:
- For anyone and everyone interested: No, you don't have to show your face! Voice recordings will be deleted and destroyed upon transcribing! All identifiable information is anonymised and redacted! You can be introverted or extroverted! You can be Greys to Chromatic! I accept and welcome all participants as long as you are male and aged 18 - 25! You can be an incel or not, a blackpiller or not, a redpiller or not.
- Your participation would make a meaningful contribution to an area that has received very little academic attention. This is one of the first studies to explore looksmaxxing from the perspective of those who have lived it. By sharing your experiences, you can ensure that the voices of community members are represented in academic research, rather than being discussed without their input.
- Please know that everything you share will be treated with care and confidentiality.
There are no right or wrong answers. The interview is a space for you to share your perspective openly and without judgment.
Thank you for considering taking part in my research! Feel free to reach out to me :)


