Happy Tuesday in New York, where Pete Hegseth’s ideas on what makes a man manly are raising some eyebrows.

Last week, Hegseth directed that U.S. military troops will now be tested annually on their testosterone levels, and offered replacement therapy if they are found lacking. Many are skeptical of the directive, especially given how much remains murky in the complex field of hormone balance. Manosphere enthusiasts, and also presumably Alex Jones, are in favor.

Psychology professor Adam Stanaland says despite the intuitive appeal to the idea that more testosterone equals more big strong guys, the directive is probably based more in science fiction than science. Some studies show it’s the aggression and strength that drive T levels, not the other way around.

Although we think of testosterone as a male hormone, it is present in both men and women, and the range considered normal is vast. This is likely because a healthy testosterone balance depends on a range of factors, from the time of day it is measured to the lifestyle and body type of the patient.

Some say that God made human brains too big, because we spend so much of our time getting out of our own messes. If testosterone leads to aggression, maybe we have a little too much of that too? Maybe too bad God didn’t provide a potential counter-recommendation to Hegseth’s directive: just one testicle per trooper.

Black-and-white pamphlets were passed out at Prospect Park’s entrance and propped up in corners of neighborhood coffee shops. “Summer of Ludd: the Luddite’s Guidebook,” they read. “We ask that you please share this information offline.”

The pamphlets promoted a packed schedule of free, public, participatory events across the city, from June 28 through July 5, each aiming to lure participants away from their phones and into public spaces.

“We pulled off a well-attended week of programming, all promoted off social media, in the age of isolation and AI,” said Gowanus — the handmade puppet that served as the week’s spokesperson, allowing the loose band of organizers behind Summer of Ludd to remain anonymous — at a wrap-up press conference.

The Summer of Ludd is the latest in a growing movement in New York City and across the country, as the first generation to grow up on social media is pushing back against an industry that they say has commodified their attention for profit.

Read on to learn more.

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