Social media influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men that normal tiredness, stress or changes in libido mean they have low testosterone, according to a study in Social Science and Medicine.
Researchers analysed popular posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding that influencers often frame ordinary experiences as medical problems while promoting hormone tests, supplements and treatments. Most posts had financial links, often poorly disclosed.
The study’s lead author, from the University of Copenhagen, said this creates a false sense of deficiency and fuels profitable but often unnecessary health interventions. Medical experts warned that routine testosterone testing in symptom-free men is not recommended and can expose them to unnecessary risks, including fertility and cardiovascular problems.
