Home
/
Mythology and folklore
/
Cultural myths
/

Youth transformations: puberty or just grooming?

Users Push Back Against "Glow Up" Phenomenon | They're Just Growing Up

By

Marcus Eldridge

Aug 25, 2025, 11:16 AM

2 minutes of reading

A group of young people sharing their thoughts on puberty and grooming in a lively forum setting.
popular

A recent trend among people sharing age-progressed photos on forums is stirring criticism. Many are pointing out that supposed transformations often stem from natural maturation, not the effects of subliminal messaging or other methods. The growing sentiment echoes a fundamental concern: how much should these changes really be credited to techniques?

What's Happening?

In forums across the web, individuals have noticed a surge in posts showcasing before-and-after images of people, sometimes spanning nearly a decade. While these images showcase a change in appearance, many argue that the shifts are primarily due to age and puberty.

"The recent posts I've seen are just kids growing up," lamented one participant. "Where’s the actual evidence of change due to subliminals?"

Observers highlight that these transformations often reflect standard growth—someone at age 12 can look vastly different at 20 after going through natural hormone changes. One comment emphasized, "Of course, you look different. You were a child and now you’re a grown adult."

Concerns About the Community

Critics argue that platforms lack moderation, allowing children to post or for adults to display images of minors. This raises ethical questions about the appropriateness of such content. One user exclaimed, "This is why children shouldn’t even be involved in this community."

Key Themes Emerging from Discussions

  1. Natural Growth vs. Subliminal Effect

Users draw a clear line between natural maturation and claims of subliminal changes, stating transformations may just reflect typical aging, not additional methods.

  1. A Call for Better Moderation

As concerns mount over the lack of control, some hope for stricter moderation to protect younger members and keep contents appropriate.

  1. Discontent about Repeated Content

Many individuals have voiced their frustration with repeated posts that claim significant changes but are simply results of growing up.

User Sentiment

While the majority expresses negativity toward the current trend, there are still some who support sharing experiences, believing every journey matters. Yet, a common refrain is emerging: many want authenticity and clear distinctions in the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • 🚫 Many posts reflect natural aging, not subliminal success.

  • ⚖️ Users call for better moderation against minors in profiles.

  • 📣 "We need to stop entertaining glow-up requests" - Popular comment.

The Road Ahead for Authenticity in Transformation Trends

There's a strong chance that the trend of posting transformation images will shift in the coming months. As more people express concerns over the portrayal of growth and the influence of subliminal messaging, community moderation is likely to become a key focal point. Experts estimate around 60% of forums will experience increased scrutiny, resulting in stricter rules and guidelines. This shift could lead to a more authentic environment for sharing personal growth stories, providing a clearer distinction between natural aging and other influences.

Reflections from the Past: The Mod Fashion Movement

In the 1960s, the Mod style became synonymous with youth identity and rebellion, where changes in fashion often symbolized more than just a trend. Just like today’s glow-up phenomenon, it aimed to depict transformation—albeit through clothing rather than images. However, as time went on, the movement faced criticism for promoting an unrealistic version of youth. Similarly, today’s debates on authenticity versus growth echo the struggles faced by the Mods, highlighting how cultural benchmarks shift but concerns about representation and age-related changes remain timeless.