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 high-reach posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding testosterone was marketed as essential to masculinity despite routine screening being medically unjustified for most young men. The lead author from the University of Copenhagen said influencers often medicalised ordinary experiences to create demand for tests and treatments, many tied to undisclosed financial interests.
Medical experts warned that unnecessary testing can cause harm, noting that symptoms blamed on low testosterone are often linked to stress or lifestyle factors, and that hormone levels require clinical context to interpret.
