Auramaxxing: The TikTok Trend That’s Reshaping Teenage Self-Worth
Have you heard your teen talking about “aura points” recently and wondered, “What on earth is an aura point?” Allow us to introduce you to auramaxxing: a phenomenon popularized by social media where teens are striving to “optimize their aura” by practicing mindfulness, building confidence and improving themselves. On the surface, it’s a playful way to encourage growth, but as with many trends, there’s more to the story. Let’s unpack what auramaxxing is really about and how you can support your teen without judgment.
What is Auramaxxing?
At its core, auramaxxing is all about enhancing one’s “aura”- a mix of confidence, presence, and how others perceive you. It’s almost like a social media game where teens can earn “aura points” for good behaviors like staying calm, good posture, and even “being mysterious”, and can lose points for “cringe” moments like oversharing.
I know what you’re thinking: that’s not all that bad, they’re learning positive habits. But it also gamifies social interactions in ways that can amplify insecurities and leave teens overly focused on external validation. It’s like a modern-day popularity contest, with TikTok keeping score.
Why this Matters for Parents
While auramaxxing might start with good intentions, it often veers into troubling territory:
Toxic masculinity: Some videos suggest suppressing emotions or staying silent to appear “mysterious”, which can reinforce harmful gender norms.
Appearance obsession: Many “aura tips” promote extreme self-optimization, like “bone-mashing” (an extreme trend where young boys will hit their own faces hoping it’ll reshape their bones and make them look more ‘chiseled’) or other dangerous practices.
Social pressure: By tying self-worth to “aura points”, the trend can make teens feel like they’re constantly being judged, discouraging them from being authentic.
For parents, the question becomes: How does this trend impact my child’s confidence and mental health? Will it make them afraid to be themselves?
Starting the Conversation
You don’t have to be a TikTok expert to guide your teen through this. Here’s how to open the dialogue:
Get curious: Instead of dismissing the trend, ask “What do you like about auramaxxing?” or “How do you think someone builds a good aura?” This shows you’re interested in their world without being critical.
Highlight the positives: Use the trend’s focus on mindfulness and self-improvement to talk about healthy habits, like journaling or taking breaks from social media.
Address the extremes: Ask thoughtful questions to help your teen think critically, like “Do you think someone’s aura is more about how they treat others or how they look?” This helps them separate helpful advice from harmful ideals.
Share your perspective: Gently remind them that real confidence comes from being authentic, not perfect. Share stories from your own life where imperfection led to growth.
Supporting Your Teen
You can’t shield your child from every trend, but you can equip them with the tools to navigate them confidently:
Be their safe space: Let them know it’s okay to tell you about anything even if it feels embarrassing or silly.
Encourage real-world connections: Help them focus on online relationships and accomplishments that build confidence.
Introduce positive role models: Show them examples of people who value authenticity over perfection, whether that’s a family member, coach, or inspiring public figure.
Auramaxxing taps into a universal desire for self-improvement but packages it as a way that can feel performative and exhausting. For teens, navigating this trend is about finding balance, embracing growth while rejecting the pressure to be perfect.
As parents, your role is to guide them towards that balance. Remind them that their worth isn’t measured by TikTok trends or imaginary points but by the kindness they show, the effort they put in, and the person they’re becoming.
The next time your teen talks about aura points, lean in. Ask questions, share your values, and remind them that the best “aura” comes from simply being themselves.
