Influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men that normal changes in mood, energy or libido signal low testosterone, according to a study in Social Science and Medicine. Researchers analysed popular posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding that routine testosterone testing is often promoted as essential to masculinity, despite being medically unnecessary for most young men.
The study’s lead author, from the University of Copenhagen, said normal life experiences were frequently framed as health problems, fuelling demand for tests and treatments with limited evidence of benefit. Experts warned this “medicalisation of masculinity” risks unnecessary treatment and side-effects, noting that most posts analysed had financial interests tied to selling products.
