Testosterone enhancers gaining popularity among young males, linked to right-wing discourse on TikTok

Call to The New Alpha: Toxic Testosterone and the Misguided Masculinity Movement

Published Nov 1, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Reading time: 2 minutes

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Witnessing a transformation, we've seen conservative and right-wing men strive to embody a contemporary image of the quintessential alpha male. From ZYN pouches to $18,000 boot camps, men are stretching the boundaries of self-improvement, and the latest trend takes root in testosterone boosts.

Recent research by Business Insider reveals young men swiftly diving into testosterone boosters as a solution to feelings of lethargy and anxiety. One notable case study involves Kade, a 21-year-old who turned to testosterone supplements when diagnosed with low levels of the hormone. His transformation over the course of four years saw his transformation from an unhappy, unhealthy man to a self-proclaimed "new man" with an uninhibited libido and sturdy, expansive beard. Kade has made waves on TikTok, inspiring a legion of followers to pursue a more virile lifestyle.

However, Kade isn’t the only one-with hundreds of men chronicling their testosterone-related triumphs on TikTok and other social media platforms-praising the hormone as the key to achieving alpha status.

Inevitably, a host of celebrities have endorsed testosterone boosters, attributing their improved well-being and happiness to the supplements. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian publicly discussed his discovery of Lyme disease and his testosterone levels in a July 2024 post, while popular podcaster Joe Rogan frequently champions testosterone supplements[2]. During a conversation with JD Vance, Rogan spoke openly about the link between high testosterone levels and conservative young men[3].

Business Insider termed this phenomenon a "new form of gender-affirming care for cisgender men[3]." The common thread connecting these users? Many also operate within the manosphere(1), a homogeneous male community engrossed in questions of masculinity and rejecting traditional feminist perspectives. Indeed, many young men who endorse testosterone boosters parallel the toxic and misogynistic ideologies found within right-wing circles[4]. Keep an eye out for these gentlemen on the usual cringe finance bro podcasts.

While testosterone itself is not inherently evil, the escalating connection between testosterone boosters, the manosphere, and conservative young males presents a disconcerting picture. Modern society inundates young men with misinformation and political bias surrounding testosterone. The question is how we as a community tackle this complex, harmful issue. Perhaps shifting the conversation away from the viral, algorithm-driven echo chambers of TikTok might serve as a first step towards a more responsible dialogue surrounding manhood, masculinity, and self-improvement.

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[1] The Science of Testosterone Boosters: Separating Myths From Reality

Navigate the complex world of testosterone supplements, demystifying myths with a closer look at the science behind popular hormone-boosting products.

[4] Masculinity, Manosphere, and Misogyny: An Examination of the Links Between Ideology and Gender

Delve into the connections between distorted masculine ideals, the manosphere, and misogyny, understanding the relationships between these interconnected phenomena.

[5] The Perils of the Manosphere: The Effects of Extreme Positive Masculinity on Mental Health

Investigate the repercussions of a toxic brand of masculinity, exploring the negative mental health outcomes associated with consumption of manosphere content and conservative narratives.

The surge in testosterone booster usage among young men, as highlighted by Business Insider, is not confined to individuals but extensively reflects the health-and-wellness trends within the manosphere, a homogeneous community advocating for certain ideals of masculinity and often rejecting traditional feminist perspectives.
The manosphere's influence extends beyond the realm of self-improvement, seeping into social-media platforms and entertainment outlets, with celebrities like Alexis Ohanian and Joe Rogan endorsing testosterone boosters and promoting their benefits, contributing to the popularization of these products.
The growing presence of testosterone boosters within pop-culture, often championed by conservative young men, raises concerns about the conflation of scientific advancements with toxic masculinity and misogynistic ideologies, making it crucial for society to reexamine and refine conversations surrounding manhood, masculinity, and health-and-wellness.