A study has found that influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are encouraging healthy young men to believe they have low testosterone and need medical testing or treatment, despite a lack of clinical justification.
Researchers analysing high-reach posts on TikTok and Instagram found that normal experiences such as tiredness, stress or changes in libido were often framed as medical problems. The study, published in Social Science and Medicine, warns this is contributing to a “medicalisation of masculinity”.
The lead author, from the University of Copenhagen, said testosterone was portrayed as the key to being an “alpha male”, helping to sell tests, supplements and treatments. More than two-thirds of posts analysed had financial links to such products.
Medical experts said routine testosterone screening in young, symptom-free men is not recommended and can expose them to unnecessary risks.
