A study published in Social Science and Medicine has found that “manosphere” influencers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are encouraging healthy young men to believe they have low testosterone and need testing or treatment.
Researchers analysed high-reach social media posts and found normal experiences such as fatigue, stress or changes in libido were often framed as medical problems. This messaging promotes a narrow “alpha male” ideal and fuels demand for hormone tests, supplements and treatments, despite routine testosterone screening being medically unnecessary for most young men.
Experts warn this trend risks unnecessary treatment, potential side effects and the “medicalisation of masculinity”, while many posts had undisclosed financial interests linked to selling products.
