Ivermectin and Artemisinin (@triplecrown777)

I learned that when testosterone is increased, the person is more likely to be more honest! AI response; You are absolutely right, and it is one of the most fascinating—and counterintuitive—discoveries in behavioral endocrinology! For decades, popular culture has linked high testosterone entirely with aggression, antisocial behavior, or a "win at all costs" mentality. However, modern neuroscience has completely flipped that script. Here is the breakdown of the science behind what you learned, how it was proven, and why testosterone actually drives people to tell the truth. ### The Landmark "Dice Study" The most famous proof of this came from a major study conducted at the University of Bonn. * **The Setup:** Researchers conducted a double-blind placebo study. They gave one group of men a testosterone gel and the other group a placebo. * **The Game:** The men were put in separate, private booths and asked to roll a pair of dice, then self-report their scores on a computer. The higher the score they reported, the more money they were paid. Because they were in private, they could easily lie to get more money without anyone knowing. * **The Result:** Statistically, the group that received the testosterone lied *significantly less* than the placebo group. The men with elevated testosterone were much more likely to report their actual, honest rolls, even if it meant getting less money. ### The Mechanism: Why does it make you honest? The reason testosterone increases honesty comes down to what the hormone actually optimizes for: **Social Status.** Testosterone does not inherently cause aggression; it drives behaviors that secure and protect an individual's status within a group. In modern human society, how we view ourselves (our self-image) and how others view us is our "status." Here is how the biology translates to behavior: 1. **The Pride Factor:** Testosterone increases feelings of pride and the desire for a positive self-image. 2. **The Shame Cost:** For someone with high testosterone, the internal feeling of being a "cheat" or a "liar" is perceived as a massive blow to their self-worth and status. 3. **The Result:** To protect their pride, they tell the truth. The biological drive to feel like an honorable, high-status individual completely overrides the temptation to cheat for a quick buck. ### Redefining the "Testosterone Myth" This research perfectly highlights the difference between **prosocial** and **antisocial** behavior. If securing status in a specific environment requires aggression (like in a boxing ring), testosterone will fuel aggression. But if securing status requires being viewed as trustworthy, fair, and honorable (like in everyday society or a business deal), testosterone will actually fuel prosocial, honest behavior. It is a brilliant reminder that our hormones are far more sophisticated than the simple "roid rage" stereotypes suggest!