Cleveland Clinic study finds that although men distrust what they see online, some are letting social media shape their behaviour

• The MENtion It^® survey finds that 74% of men do not trust health information shared by influencers, yet 39% admit to having tried a health or wellness trend after seeing it on social media.

Cleveland: A new Cleveland Clinic survey finds that, even though some men do not trust what they see online, they are letting social media influence their behaviour.

The survey is part of Cleveland Clinic’s 12th annual MENtion It^® campaign, which aims to encourage men to talk more openly about their health. This year’s survey looked at men’s health in the era of social media trends and online influencers.

“Men’s health has taken centre stage in public debate lately, covering everything from male fertility rates to testosterone replacement therapy and the viral health-optimisation trends known as ‘health-maxxing’, which reach into just about every corner imaginable,” said Dr Petar Bajic, director of the Men’s Health Section at Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological Institute. “We wanted to better understand the influence and emotional impact social media can have on men, and to find out whether they are changing their health habits and attitudes.”

A national survey of more than 1,000 American men found that 74% rarely or never trust health information shared by influencers; even so, 39% admit to having tried a new diet or wellness trend after seeing it on social media.

The results showed that while social media can motivate men to improve their health, it can also create pressure and invite comparison. After seeing content on social media:

• 73% feel motivated to improve their health*
• 69% feel concerned about their health*
• 44% compare their body, fitness level or general health with other people’s on social media*

The findings also highlight the potential danger of using the internet as a substitute for seeing a health professional. Two in five men (40%) say they try to diagnose themselves based on information found on social media*, and almost a third (30%) use supplements or performance-enhancing products promoted on those platforms*, which can be dangerous when there is no medical professional to provide a diagnosis and the corresponding prescription.

On the men’s health topics that have been making headlines, the survey found that myths about testosterone and male fertility remain deeply rooted.

• Half of men (50%) do not recognise that lifestyle choices can affect sperm quality.
• 28% believe testosterone therapy can improve sexual performance.
• About a quarter of men (23%) believe testosterone therapy could make them feel younger.

The survey also revealed how much misinformation there is about harmful lifestyle habits and their effects on men’s health. According to the results, many men are unaware that the following habits can affect sexual performance or cause erectile dysfunction:

• 51%: smoking cigarettes or vaping
• 62%: marijuana use
• 40%: obesity
• 49%: lack of exercise or poor physical activity habits
• 34%: alcohol consumption

“We have seen that American men are taking a growing interest in their health, but also that they are navigating an environment shaped by social media, misinformation and self-care,” said Dr Bajic. “We want to remind them that taking an active role in looking after their health, through exercise and regular check-ups, vaccinations and screenings, can help prevent many health problems or catch them at a curable stage.”

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,135 men. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11 and 14 June 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US men (aged 18 and over).

About Cleveland Clinic 

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care built on the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation, Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognised in the United States and around the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 83,000 employees worldwide are more than 6,600 salaried physicians and researchers, and 21,900 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialities and subspecialities. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,725-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 300 outpatient centres and locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and London, England. In 2025, there were a total of 15.9 million outpatient visits, 343,000 hospital admissions and observations and 336,000 surgical cases across the Cleveland Clinic health system.