Science News
‘Manosphere’ influencers pushing testosterone tests 🧪 are convincing healthy young men there is something wrong with them – monetising masculinity, ⚠️ pathologising normal male experiences and driving unnecessary, risky hormone use, study finds. 💰 Read Full…
🚨 Influencers Exploit Masculinity Narrative Online
A study published in Social Science and Medicine reveals how TikTok and Instagram influencers, with millions of followers, are targeting young men with marketing for testosterone tests and treatments. They often frame normal bodily variations as signs of low testosterone, promoting a narrow, idealized version of masculinity linked to dominance and sexual success.
📈 Financial Motives Behind Health Claims
Researchers analyzed 46 high-impact posts and found 72% had financial interests, such as selling testosterone products or being sponsored by the industry. Two-thirds included direct links or promo codes, often without clear disclosure of conflicts of interest, fueling a lucrative market for unproven treatments.
🧑⚕️ Medical Professionals Urge Caution on Testing
Endocrinologists and public health researchers emphasize that routine testosterone screening is not medically warranted for most young, asymptomatic men. Symptoms often attributed to low testosterone can overlap with stress, fatigue, or depression, and unnecessary testing or treatment carries risks including masking underlying conditions and potential side effects.
#MensHealth #InfluencerMarketing #HealthScam
A study published in Social Science and Medicine reveals how TikTok and Instagram influencers, with millions of followers, are targeting young men with marketing for testosterone tests and treatments. They often frame normal bodily variations as signs of low testosterone, promoting a narrow, idealized version of masculinity linked to dominance and sexual success.
📈 Financial Motives Behind Health Claims
Researchers analyzed 46 high-impact posts and found 72% had financial interests, such as selling testosterone products or being sponsored by the industry. Two-thirds included direct links or promo codes, often without clear disclosure of conflicts of interest, fueling a lucrative market for unproven treatments.
🧑⚕️ Medical Professionals Urge Caution on Testing
Endocrinologists and public health researchers emphasize that routine testosterone screening is not medically warranted for most young, asymptomatic men. Symptoms often attributed to low testosterone can overlap with stress, fatigue, or depression, and unnecessary testing or treatment carries risks including masking underlying conditions and potential side effects.
#MensHealth #InfluencerMarketing #HealthScam