The Disturbing Rise of 'Bone-Smashing' on Social Media
Social media platforms are constantly flooded with viral trends that promise quick transformations, but many of these fads cross into dangerous territory. A particularly alarming example gaining traction is the so-called "bone-smashing" trend, where individuals—primarily young men—are encouraged to literally hammer their facial bones in pursuit of a more defined jawline and sharper cheekbones.
What Exactly Is This Controversial Practice?
This extreme trend has been popularized by 20-year-old influencer known as Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters. On platforms like Kick and Instagram, he promotes hitting one's face with hammers or other blunt objects, claiming it creates "microfractures" that supposedly cause bones to grow back stronger and more aesthetically pleasing.
Clavicular bases his dangerous advice on a misinterpretation of Wolff's Law, a 19th-century medical principle from German surgeon Julius Wolff that states bones adapt and strengthen under stress. However, modern medical understanding makes crucial distinctions between controlled stress (like weightlifting) and blunt trauma to delicate facial structures.
The Influencer Behind the Dangerous Trend
Clavicular has become a controversial figure within the "looksmaxxing" subculture—a movement originating from incel forums focused on maximizing physical attractiveness. He associates with figures like Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, and frames bone-smashing as part of "ascending" one's appearance.
His history includes disturbing incidents: last year he filmed himself injecting fat-dissolving shots into his 17-year-old girlfriend's face while posing as "Dr. Clav," and posted about allegedly running over a pedestrian while joking about the potential fatality. Despite this controversial background, he recently landed a modeling job in New York, which some critics say gives his dangerous advice unwarranted credibility.
Medical Experts Issue Urgent Warnings
Dermatologist Andrea Suarez responded directly to Clavicular's claims, stating plainly: "I don't recommend hitting yourself in the face with a hammer." She emphasized that blunt trauma won't build stronger bones and instead risks permanent disfigurement or the need for corrective surgeries.
Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, writing for Forbes in 2023, explained the critical difference between beneficial mechanical force (like appropriate exercise) and harmful blunt force trauma. The risks of bone-smashing are severe and multifaceted, potentially including:
- Facial fractures that require surgical intervention
- Infections from soft tissue damage
- Severe bruising and permanent scarring
- No guarantee of desired reshaping—a broken jaw would actually diminish appearance
The Broader Problem of Dangerous Social Media Trends
This bone-smashing phenomenon represents an extreme example of how social media trends can turn self-improvement into dangerous competitions. Many online influencers promote radical "glow-ups" using filters, edits, and viral quick fixes that promise unrealistic results overnight. Young people often find themselves caught in these trends, chasing aesthetic ideals through potentially harmful methods.
As WebMD clarifies, while bones do adapt to stress, this occurs through controlled, gradual processes—not through self-inflicted blunt trauma. The pursuit of a chiseled jawline through hammering one's face demonstrates how far some will go when influenced by social media personalities promoting extreme measures.
Medical professionals unanimously agree: bone-smashing is not just ineffective—it's actively dangerous. Anyone considering such practices should seek legitimate medical advice rather than following viral trends that could cause permanent physical harm.
