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The Normalization of Steroids on Social Media

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Social media has created a culture where bodybuilding and achieving a lean physique is glorified, with many influencers openly discussing the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to achieve their desired body shape. This trend is paradoxical, as it both humanizes the use of PEDs and exacerbates societal pressures around body image. Research suggests that social media is contributing to the normalization of steroid use, with 587 million views of videos promoting "steroid-like drugs" in the past three years. Experts warn that media literacy is crucial for young men who are exposed to idealized bodies on social media, as it can create unrealistic expectations and pressure to achieve similar physiques.

Key Takeaways:

  • The open discussion of PEDs on social media has created a culture where bodybuilding and achieving a lean physique is glorified, with many influencers sharing their experiences with steroid use.
  • Research suggests that social media is contributing to the normalization of steroid use, with 587 million views of videos promoting "steroid-like drugs" in the past three years.
  • Experts warn that media literacy is crucial for young men who are exposed to idealized bodies on social media, as it can create unrealistic expectations and pressure to achieve similar physiques.
  • The use of PEDs can have severe long-term side effects, including infertility, suppression of natural testosterone production, hair loss, acne, and testicular atrophy.
  • The focus of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) is to achieve higher levels of testosterone within the body's natural range, overseen by a doctor, which is different from anabolic steroid use.
  • The market for TRT is rapidly growing, with the industry expected to grow more than US$400 million globally by 2026.
  • Many men who have experimented with PEDs are warning viewers about the dark side of their use, including the tradeoffs for the muscle gain and the impact on their longevity and health.

Statistics:

  • 587 million views of videos promoting "steroid-like drugs" in the past three years (Center for Countering Digital Hate).
  • 420 million views from users under 24 years old (Center for Countering Digital Hate).
  • Testosterone levels naturally decrease as we get older, while lifestyle and physical factors such as obesity, stress, and excessive alcohol use also play a role.
  • The market for TRT is expected to grow more than US$400 million globally by 2026.
  • Consumers can expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $500 a month for TRT (Canadian provider Jack Health).

Sources:

  • Kyle Ganson, Registered Social Worker and Assistant Professor at University of Toronto's FactorInwentash Faculty of Social Work.
  • Article from the American Psychological Association.
  • Study from the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
  • Mount Sinai.
  • George Mankaryous, Chief Medical Officer of Rocky Health.
  • Canadian provider Jack Health.

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