"Social media platforms have fundamentally changed how we communicate, connect, and consume content. They've also transformed the way substance use is portrayed and perceived, particularly among younger audiences. The short answer is yes: social media does glamorize drugs and alcohol, often in subtle but powerful ways that can influence attitudes, normalize risky behaviors, and shape how people view substance use."
"Users see images of attractive people enjoying drinks at beach clubs, celebrities casually discussing marijuana use, or party scenes where everyone appears euphoric and carefree. The algorithmic nature of these platforms amplifies this effect. When users engage with content featuring substances, even passively through views or likes, algorithms interpret this as interest and serve more similar content. This creates echo chambers where substance use appears more prevalent and socially acceptable than it actually is."
Social media platforms changed how people communicate, connect, and consume content, and they transformed portrayals and perceptions of substance use, especially among younger audiences. Curated visual content emphasizes perceived benefits of drinking and drug use while minimizing consequences, making substances appear aspirational and socially rewarding. Influencers and viral challenges normalize substance use by depicting it as fun and desirable. Platform algorithms amplify exposure by recommending similar content after users engage, creating echo chambers that overstate prevalence and social acceptability. Constant exposure reduces perceived risk and can influence attitudes and behaviors, presenting challenges for parents, educators, and public health efforts.
Read at Social Media Explorer
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