How is substance use portrayed in digital media and what impacts can it have?

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	How is substance use portrayed in digital media and what impacts can it have?
Authors:	Riordan, Benjamin (AUTHOR), Scarf, Damian (AUTHOR), Merrill, Jennifer E. (AUTHOR), Lim, Megan S. C. (AUTHOR), Kuntsche, Emmanuel (AUTHOR)
Source:	Drug & Alcohol Review. Jan2024, Vol. 43 Issue 1, p5-8. 4p.
Subjects:	Digital media, Substance abuse, Drinking behavior, Social media, Media exposure, Social learning theory
Abstract:	This article examines the portrayal of substance use in digital media and its potential effects. The study reveals that posts about alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, and tobacco tend to be positive, while posts about opiates are more negative. The research suggests that exposure to positive substance-related posts on social media may contribute to the perception that substance use is common and acceptable. The article also discusses the connection between self-reported exposure to substance use on social media and actual substance use, as well as the implications for policy and prevention. The authors recommend further research using new methods, such as machine learning, to better understand how substances are discussed on social media and to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention campaigns. They also emphasize the importance of critically evaluating digital media use to avoid being influenced by substance-related content. [Extracted from the article]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	This article examines the portrayal of substance use in digital media and its potential effects. The study reveals that posts about alcohol, e-cigarettes, cannabis, and tobacco tend to be positive, while posts about opiates are more negative. The research suggests that exposure to positive substance-related posts on social media may contribute to the perception that substance use is common and acceptable. The article also discusses the connection between self-reported exposure to substance use on social media and actual substance use, as well as the implications for policy and prevention. The authors recommend further research using new methods, such as machine learning, to better understand how substances are discussed on social media and to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention campaigns. They also emphasize the importance of critically evaluating digital media use to avoid being influenced by substance-related content. [Extracted from the article]
ISSN:	09595236
DOI:	10.1111/dar.13784