In recent years, social media platforms have become a breeding ground for the promotion of harmful substances and unattainable body image ideals. TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, is no exception. A new report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) reveals the alarming rise of steroid content on TikTok and its impact on young men and boys. This article delves into the findings of the report, sheds light on the dangers associated with steroid-like drugs, and explores the role of social media influencers in promoting these substances.

The Rise of Steroid Content

According to the CCDH report, videos tagged with hashtags promoting the use of steroid-like drugs have amassed over 580 million views among U.S. users on TikTok within the last three years. The majority of these views come from young men aged 18 to 24, highlighting the targeting of this vulnerable demographic. It is important to note that data for views from users under 18 is not available, raising concerns about the exposure of underage individuals to this content.

The CCDH groups the substances in question under the term “steroid-like drugs” instead of “performance-enhancing drugs” to emphasize the associated health risks. These drugs include anabolic-androgenic steroids, peptides, and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). The use of such substances has been linked to adverse effects such as increased heart attack risk, infertility, and psychosis, as highlighted by the FDA’s warning in April.

The Legal and Regulatory Landscape

In the United States, anabolic-androgenic steroids require a prescription, while peptides and SARMs are illegal when sold as dietary supplements. However, the CCDH report uncovers a concerning loophole exploited by vendors who market these substances as “research chemicals.” Despite clear encouragement to ingest them, these products are labeled as not for human consumption. The FDA has taken action against companies selling SARMs through warning letters and criminal charges, but the prevalence of these substances on social media platforms indicates the need for stricter enforcement.

Social Media Influencers and Affiliate Marketing

While the vendors themselves do not directly target underage users, they increasingly rely on social media influencers to promote their products through affiliate marketing. The CCDH identified 35 influencers on TikTok with ties to websites selling illegal steroid-like drugs. These influencers command a combined following of 1.8 million users, leveraging their influence to push affiliate links and discount codes, earning substantial commissions on sales.

Unfortunately, some influencers openly document their own experiences with steroid-like drugs or downplay the associated health risks. They often showcase their physiques or techniques for gaining muscle, enticing young viewers with supposed benefits. In some cases, captions directly target under-18 users, urging them to use these substances despite their potential dangers.

The Impact on Teenagers

The CCDH report reveals videos on TikTok that encourage teenage users to incorporate steroid-like drugs into their bodybuilding routines. This dangerous content not only promotes the use of substances with serious health risks but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes of masculinity and strength. Furthermore, some bodybuilding influencers explicitly tailor their content to teenage users, using hashtags like #teenbodybuilding and #teenfitness. These influencers go as far as suggesting that using steroids at a young age can enhance height and genital size, spreading dangerous pseudo-science.

TikTok’s Responsibility and Enforcement

The CCDH report highlights TikTok’s failure to adequately govern its platform and enforce its own rules. CEO Imran Ahmed asserts that TikTok must take immediate action to prohibit the promotion and sale of potentially dangerous drugs for profit. Transparency regarding the exposure of children and teenagers to this content through the platform’s algorithms is also crucial.

Lawmakers have begun to confront social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube about the harmful content they host. Congressional hearings have shed light on the ineffectiveness of time limits and the need for stricter regulation. These platforms must be held accountable and take proactive measures to protect their young users.

Conclusion

The explosion of steroid promotion on TikTok, specifically targeting teens, is a concerning trend that demands immediate attention. The rise of steroid-like drugs on the platform, coupled with the influence of social media influencers, poses significant risks to the physical and mental well-being of young men and boys. Stricter enforcement, better regulation, and increased transparency are necessary to curb this dangerous content and protect vulnerable users. As a society, we must work together to ensure the responsible use of social media platforms and promote healthier ideals of body image and masculinity.