Swedish experts warn of dangerous ‘bonesmashing’ trend among young men online

A study by Magnus Kilger, lecturer at Stockholm University, outlines a disturbing sub-trend within the broader looksmaxing movement, termed “bonesmashing,” in which adolescent males intentionally create micro-fractures in their jawbones—sometimes with a hammer—to produce a more defined chin during healing. The practice is frequently paired with anabolic steroid consumption to accelerate muscular development, both promoted by influencers in the manosphere.

Although not previously researched in Sweden, MUCF’s recent report flags its emergence beyond incel groups, prompting the Equality Ministry to investigate the content’s influence on boys’ attitudes toward suicide, mental health, and appearance-based status. Legal commentator Johanna Lindström warns that such self-harm encouragement may breach EU Digital Services Act obligations, and several countries are debating age restrictions for social-media use. The trend reflects a broader shift away from feminist identification among young men, according to Kilger.