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 routine testosterone testing is promoted as essential to masculinity, despite being medically unnecessary for most young men. The lead author, Emma Grundtvig Gram of the University of Copenhagen, said influencers often portray normal experiences as health problems, driving demand for tests and supplements.
Medical experts warned that such testing offers limited insight, can lead to unnecessary treatment, and carries risks including infertility and cardiovascular problems.
