What is mogging?

Mogging is a slang term primarily used in online communities, particularly within the manosphere, incel forums, and lookism communities. It refers to when one person is perceived as being significantly more attractive than another, essentially "outshining" or "overshadowing" them in terms of physical appearance.

The concept is rooted in the idea of a visual hierarchy, where individuals are ranked based on their perceived attractiveness, often according to specific, often subjective, criteria. These criteria frequently include facial features, bone structure, height, and overall physique. The person who "mogs" is seen as having superior versions of these traits.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects associated with mogging:

• Attractiveness Hierarchies: Mogging is based on the belief that attractiveness is a quantifiable and comparable trait, placing individuals on a scale.
• Incel and Manosphere Use: The term is often used within these communities to express feelings of inadequacy or envy towards men deemed more attractive, and reinforces narratives around genetic determinism.
• Subjectivity and Objectification: While proponents might claim objective standards, attractiveness is inherently subjective and cultural. The concept objectifies individuals by reducing them to their perceived physical traits.
• "Looksmaxing": Mogging can also be tied to the idea of "looksmaxing", which is the pursuit of improving one's physical appearance through various means, often to avoid being "mogged."
• Mental Health Implications: Constant comparison and focus on perceived physical flaws can negatively impact self-esteem and mental health.