The game of profit, men’s insecurities and digital fraud
The digital revolution has provided society with unprecedented convenience. Today, health information, expert advice, and medical services are available just a few clicks away. But this digital world also has another side, where people’s vulnerabilities, fears, and social inhibitions are being turned into profit opportunities. If there’s one area that’s rapidly expanding on social media, it’s the massive business of advertisements and products peddling “male weakness.” Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, short video platforms, and messaging apps are flooded with advertisements that claim to enhance virility, improve marital life, or grant miraculous powers in a matter of days.
This isn’t just a commercial trend, but a serious issue involving social psychology, health literacy, and digital regulation. This industry capitalizes on men’s hesitation, which prevents them from openly discussing sexual health issues. Advertisements first instill fear and then sell solutions to that fear. This is the ultimate business model of this entire business.
Sexual health remains a topic of open discussion in Indian society. Most men hesitate to discuss such issues with family or a doctor. Exploiting this hesitation, self-proclaimed experts, uncertified vaidyas, influencers, and many companies on social media sell products that lack solid scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Claims like “effective in seven days,” “100 percent guarantee,” “secret formula,” and “thousands have benefited” may sound appealing, but they often fall short of scientific medical standards.
The language of these advertisements is also noteworthy. They don’t directly sell a product, but rather question a person’s self-confidence. The messages imply that not taking a particular product will affect marital life, diminish respect, or diminish masculinity. Thus, a common health concern is linked to social status and self-esteem. As a result, many people purchase these products without medical advice.
Social media algorithms further exacerbate this problem. Once a person sees or clicks on such an ad, the platforms repeatedly show similar content. Gradually, users begin to believe that this problem is common and that most people are using such products. This psychological effect can often lead to unnecessary anxiety.
It’s also important to note that sexual health isn’t just about medications. In many cases, conditions like stress, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and an unhealthy lifestyle also play a role. In such cases, simply taking so-called “potency-enhancing” drugs isn’t the answer. Proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatment are the right approach.
Another concern in this social media business is fake reviews and false experiences. Many advertisements feature alleged experiences from people whose authenticity is difficult to verify. Advertisements feature people dressed as doctors, which can be misleading to the average person. Terms like “Ayurvedic,” “herbal,” or “natural” are often used to create the impression that a product is completely safe. However, being natural does not in itself guarantee safety or effectiveness.
It’s also important to clarify that Ayurveda is a rich and scientific medical tradition in India, with its own principles, research, and qualified practitioners. The problem isn’t Ayurveda itself, but rather the tendency to market products in its name without adequate evidence, quality control, or misleading claims. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a qualified and registered practitioner in any medical practice.
Digital platforms also have a significant responsibility. If they can monitor financial fraud, fake investment schemes, and other misleading advertisements, a more stringent verification system should also be developed for health-related advertisements. Ensuring that health claims have a scientific basis, necessary disclaimers, and adherence to regulatory standards should be part of platforms’ social responsibility.
Government regulatory bodies must also strengthen oversight of digital advertising. Enforcing regulations solely on print and television is insufficient. Today, many young and middle-aged individuals spend significant time on social media, so effective action against misleading health advertisements is essential at the digital level. Furthermore, people should be informed about the importance of consulting a certified physician in case of a health problem.
There’s also a social aspect to this issue. Men are often expected to be physically and mentally strong at all times. This is why many men avoid acknowledging their health problems or seeking help. This mindset needs to change. Having a health problem isn’t a sign of weakness, and seeking timely treatment is responsible behavior.
The media also plays an important role. News media and digital content creators should promote evidence-based information rather than sensational claims. The goal of health journalism should be to raise awareness, not to spread fear and confusion. Expert opinions, scientific research, and public health messages should be given greater space.
Providing scientific information on sexual health through educational institutions and public health campaigns is also the need of the hour. As accurate information increases in society, the impact of misleading advertisements will automatically decrease. The stronger the health literacy, the less likely we are to be vulnerable to digital fraud.
It’s also essential that consumers exercise self-awareness. Be wary of any advertisements that claim extraordinary results, immediate efficacy, or a “100 percent guarantee.” If the scientific information, manufacturer’s credibility, or regulatory approval of a product is unclear, it’s advisable to seek expert advice before relying on it.
Ultimately, the growing market for “masculine fragility” on social media isn’t just a health or advertising issue; it’s a question of societal mindset, digital ethics, consumer protection, and public health. Exploiting men’s insecurities for profit is neither ethical nor socially appropriate. The solution lies not in selling fear, but in promoting accurate information, scientific medicine, healthy lifestyles, and open dialogue.
An empowered society is one where health is not considered a matter of shame, but of awareness; where treatment is determined not by advertising claims, but by evidence-based medicine; and where digital platforms play a responsible role in people’s well-being, rather than simply trading on their vulnerabilities. Only then can social media truly become a medium for knowledge, communication, and public welfare.
