In today’s digital age, the desire for a strong jawline has taken on a new form with the rise of a trend known as mewing. This trend, predominantly practiced by boys, involves a tongue exercise where individuals flatten their tongue on the roof of their mouth to help jut out their jawline. The goal is to achieve a bolder facial profile and what some may consider a more conventionally attractive look.
While the viral reels and TikTok videos showcasing before-and-after shots and tutorials on sharpening jawlines may seem harmless at first glance, the underlying implications are concerning. This pursuit of a perfect jawline plays on insecurities, particularly during a time when a teen’s social worth and popularity are often defined by their online presence.
Parents and teachers have expressed their concerns about this trend, noting that some students are using jaw training as an excuse to remain silent in class. Shockingly, children as young as 8 years old have been reported to participate in these practices, highlighting the pervasive nature of this trend among the younger generation.
The fascination with a strong jawline is not new, as it has long been associated with traits such as confidence, ambition, and power. Face-reading expert Jean Haner suggests that a well-defined jawline signifies drive and competitiveness, leading many to believe that possessing such features equates to having it all.
However, the methods children are resorting to in pursuit of the perfect jawline are alarming. From mewing to the use of steroids, jaw trainers, dieting, plastic surgery, and even breaking bones in the face, the extremes to which some are willing to go are troubling. Online communities like Mogwarts offer advice and support for these tactics, creating a dangerous echo chamber where misinformation thrives.
Brands have also begun to capitalize on this trend, offering products like Stronger Gum and Jawliner gum that promise to sculpt the face after just a few weeks of use. The idea that beauty is social currency is not new, and adults are not immune to the pressures of conforming to beauty standards in the digital age.
The rise of online communities promoting lookism and looksmaxxing further perpetuates the idea that physical appearance is paramount in determining one’s success and desirability. The influence of these communities on younger generations, coupled with the proliferation of online tools that rate one’s attractiveness, can have damaging effects on self-esteem and body image.
In addressing this concerning trend, social worker Ruxandra Gheorghe emphasizes the importance of having open discussions with teens about the root of the problem. Simply taking away internet access or phones is not enough; there needs to be a deeper understanding of the insecurities and pressures that drive these behaviors.
Ultimately, it is crucial to remind teens that the world is much bigger than the narrow standards of beauty perpetuated by online influencers and trends. Encouraging self-acceptance and promoting a healthy body image are essential in combating the harmful effects of unrealistic beauty standards and the dangerous practices that stem from them.