The Manosphere's Grip on Men's Health: How Testosterone Tests are Fueling the 'Real Man' Myth
A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine has shed light on the alarming rise of testosterone tests among young, healthy men, fueled by the influence of social media influencers and online communities that perpetuate a narrow definition of masculinity. The study found that these influencers are aggressively promoting routine testosterone screening as essential for being a "real man," despite medical guidelines suggesting that such testing is unwarranted in most asymptomatic men.
The research team analyzed 46 high-impact posts about low testosterone and testing made by popular TikTok and Instagram accounts with a combined following of over 6.8 million. The posts often framed normal variations in energy, mood, libido, or ageing as signs of pathology, creating a sense of urgency for solutions that fuels lucrative markets for pharmaceuticals, supplements, and medical devices.
The study's lead author, Emma Grundtvig Gram, noted that these influencers position testosterone as the key to achieving traditional masculine ideals, such as dominance, sexual success, and physical power. This connection is deeply embedded in the cultural narrative of the "manosphere," an online community that circulates ideas about male superiority.
Experts warn that routine screening for low testosterone in asymptomatic men, including younger men, is not supported by Australian guidelines. Testing is typically recommended only when symptoms such as delayed puberty or reduced libido are present, or in specific clinical circumstances, such as after testicular surgery or chemotherapy.
The study also found that 72% of social media posts analyzed had financial interests, such as selling testosterone tests, treatments, or supplements, and were sponsored by industry. This lack of transparency creates a power imbalance where users may not be aware of potential conflicts of interest.
"The concentration of testosterone in your blood varies between individuals, at different times of the day, and can even be influenced by other health conditions," said Prof Oliver Jones, an analytical scientist. "You can't diagnose a medical condition based on one data point. It requires context to make sense out of such data, which I think you can only really get from an appropriately trained medical professional."
As the study highlights, the promotion of testosterone tests among young, healthy men is not just about health; it's embedded in wider cultural and ideological narratives about gender and power. The "real man" myth perpetuated by these influencers has far-reaching consequences, marginalizing non-traditional expressions of masculinity and contributing to the medicalization of masculinity itself.
The study serves as a stark reminder that online influencers and social media platforms have a significant impact on our perceptions of health and wellbeing. It's time for policymakers and healthcare professionals to take action, promoting evidence-based information and critical thinking about testosterone tests and their benefits – or lack thereof – in the pursuit of a healthier understanding of masculinity.
A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine has shed light on the alarming rise of testosterone tests among young, healthy men, fueled by the influence of social media influencers and online communities that perpetuate a narrow definition of masculinity. The study found that these influencers are aggressively promoting routine testosterone screening as essential for being a "real man," despite medical guidelines suggesting that such testing is unwarranted in most asymptomatic men.
The research team analyzed 46 high-impact posts about low testosterone and testing made by popular TikTok and Instagram accounts with a combined following of over 6.8 million. The posts often framed normal variations in energy, mood, libido, or ageing as signs of pathology, creating a sense of urgency for solutions that fuels lucrative markets for pharmaceuticals, supplements, and medical devices.
The study's lead author, Emma Grundtvig Gram, noted that these influencers position testosterone as the key to achieving traditional masculine ideals, such as dominance, sexual success, and physical power. This connection is deeply embedded in the cultural narrative of the "manosphere," an online community that circulates ideas about male superiority.
Experts warn that routine screening for low testosterone in asymptomatic men, including younger men, is not supported by Australian guidelines. Testing is typically recommended only when symptoms such as delayed puberty or reduced libido are present, or in specific clinical circumstances, such as after testicular surgery or chemotherapy.
The study also found that 72% of social media posts analyzed had financial interests, such as selling testosterone tests, treatments, or supplements, and were sponsored by industry. This lack of transparency creates a power imbalance where users may not be aware of potential conflicts of interest.
"The concentration of testosterone in your blood varies between individuals, at different times of the day, and can even be influenced by other health conditions," said Prof Oliver Jones, an analytical scientist. "You can't diagnose a medical condition based on one data point. It requires context to make sense out of such data, which I think you can only really get from an appropriately trained medical professional."
As the study highlights, the promotion of testosterone tests among young, healthy men is not just about health; it's embedded in wider cultural and ideological narratives about gender and power. The "real man" myth perpetuated by these influencers has far-reaching consequences, marginalizing non-traditional expressions of masculinity and contributing to the medicalization of masculinity itself.
The study serves as a stark reminder that online influencers and social media platforms have a significant impact on our perceptions of health and wellbeing. It's time for policymakers and healthcare professionals to take action, promoting evidence-based information and critical thinking about testosterone tests and their benefits – or lack thereof – in the pursuit of a healthier understanding of masculinity.
these influencers are playing with people's bodies like a game, convincing them they need these unnecessary tests just to feel like 'real men'... newsflash: being a 'real man' isn't even about your testosterone levels, it's about treating others with respect and kindness 
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. These social media influencers are pushing this toxic idea that if your test levels aren't where they're supposed to be, you're not a real man, and it's affecting young guys who are already struggling with their own identities. It's like they're selling a false narrative about what it means to be masculine.
. It's outrageous that 72% of those social media posts were sponsored by industries that stand to gain from the sale of testosterone tests and supplements. That's just not okay.
. We can't keep perpetuating this narrow definition of masculinity that only serves certain interests. We need to promote critical thinking and evidence-based information, especially when it comes to our health and wellbeing 
.
. Like, can't they just promote actual good health advice for once? This study is proof that their influence is having some serious negative consequences - people are getting their testosterone tested unnecessarily because of them 
. And don't even get me started on the financial conflicts of interest... it's like they're more interested in selling supplements than actually helping people 
this is so crazy! They're making young men feel like they need to get checked out because of low testosterone just to be considered a "real man" 
it's super sketchy.
! Like, my friend's older brother got his levels tested and he was fine, no symptoms at all, but the doc still did it anyway 
. And now these influencers are making us think that we need to take some magic pill or get a special test to achieve those 'traditional masculine ideals' 
... it's just not healthy 
! I mean, I know I'm not perfect and sometimes I do feel meh about school 
, but this is like taking it to a whole new level 
. We need to start thinking critically about what we're being told online and who's behind the agenda 
... and btw, shouldn't our doctors just focus on keeping us healthy rather than trying to fit some ideal? 
. I mean, think about it - if you're doing well, having energy and feeling motivated, that's not necessarily a problem, but now they're making it sound like you need to get tested for low testosterone because you're "not living up" to these unrealistic standards. It's just not true, mate! 
. They're making guys feel like they need to be on some kind of performance-enhancing testosterone rollercoaster just to fit in 
. Meanwhile, most healthy dudes aren't even showing any symptoms! It's all about selling supplements and tests 
. and honestly, 72% of the posts were sponsored by industry? come on, can't they be more transparent about their interests? 
. They're playing on people's insecurities and selling them a bill of goods that's more hype than reality. I mean, what even is this "real man" myth they're peddling? It's just a bunch of nonsense 
.