A study published in Social Science and Medicine warns that influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men that normal variations in mood, energy or libido signal low testosterone.
Researchers analysed high-reach posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding testosterone testing and treatment were often framed as essential to masculinity, despite routine screening being medically unwarranted for most young men.
The lead author, Emma Grundtvig Gram from the University of Copenhagen, said this messaging medicalises masculinity and fuels markets for tests and supplements with little clinical benefit. Experts not involved in the study warned that unnecessary testing can lead to overtreatment and risks such as infertility and cardiovascular problems, and stressed that testosterone levels vary widely and must be interpreted by medical professionals.
