A study published in Social Science and Medicine warns that influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men they may have low testosterone, despite routine testing being medically unnecessary for most.
Researchers analysed popular posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding that normal experiences such as fatigue, stress or changes in libido were often framed as health problems. Testosterone was presented as essential to being an “alpha male”, reinforcing narrow ideas of masculinity while driving demand for tests, supplements and treatments.
Medical experts say screening is usually recommended only when clear symptoms or specific clinical conditions are present, warning that unnecessary testing or treatment can carry risks such as infertility and cardiovascular problems. The study also found that most posts had financial interests, often without clear disclosure, raising concerns about the monetisation of men’s health fears.
