- Email: [email protected]
Real Use or “Real Cool”: Adolescents Speak Out About Displayed Alcohol References on Social Networking Websites
Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 420–422
Adolescent health brief
Real Use or ‘‘Real Cool’’: Adolescents Speak Out About Displayed Alcohol References on Social Networking Websites Megan A. Moreno, M.D., M.S.Ed., M.P.H.a,*, Leslie R. Briner, B.A.b, Amanda Williams, M.S.W., C.D.P.b, Leslie Walker, M.D.b, and Dimitri A. Christakis, M.D., M.P.H.c a
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin University of Washington, Seattle, Washington c Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Seattle, Washington Manuscript received February 25, 2009; manuscript accepted April 15, 2009 b
Abstract
Adolescents frequently display alcohol references on social networking Websites (SNSs). We conducted focus groups to determine adolescents’ interpretations of these displayed alcohol references. Regardless of whether displayed alcohol references represent actual use, adolescents typically interpret these references as representing actual use and acknowledge their potential influence on peer behavior. Ó 2009 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
Adolescent; Alcohol abuse; Internet; Social networking Websites; Focus groups
Exposure to substance use in media is linked to substance use among adolescents [1–3]. Social networking Websites (SNSs) are popular among adolescents, and many adolescents reference alcohol use on SNS profiles [4,5]. Examples include personal descriptions of alcohol use or pictures depicting the profile owner drinking alcohol [4]. This trend is worrisome, given media’s influence on adolescent behavior [1,2,6,7]. It is unclear how adolescents interpret other adolescents’ displayed alcohol references on SNSs; understanding their interpretations may inform education and prevention efforts. This study used focus groups to determine how adolescents interpret other adolescents’ displayed alcohol references on SNSs.
ton. The University of Washington and University of Wisconsin institutional review boards (IRBs) both approved this project. Because of the stigmatizing nature of the collected data and participant’s ages, the IRB permitted only limited collection of demographic information. Subjects A total of eight focus groups were conducted with adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18. Group size varied from three to six participants. Recruitment
Methods Study setting This study was conducted between June 2 and December 20, 2008. Focus groups were held in King County, Washing*Address correspondence to: Megan A. Moreno, M.D., M.S.Ed., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine, University of Wisconsin 600 Highland Avenue, CSC H4/444, Madison, WI 537924108. E-mail address: [email protected]
Participants were recruited from recreational centers and adolescent clinics using convenience sampling. All parents and adolescents were provided with written information for the study and consent was obtained. Participants were provided with pizza during the focus group and a nominal gift card. Focus groups Focus groups lasted between 45 and 90 minutes and were audio recorded. Each group was facilitated by one or two
1054-139X/09/$ – see front matter Ó 2009 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.04.015
M.A. Moreno et al. / Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 420–422
trained moderators and followed a semistructured format. Participants were encouraged to discuss their thoughts and interpretations of displayed alcohol references on adolescents’ SNS profiles. Analysis Tape recorded data was fully transcribed and manually analyzed. All transcripts were coded by three independent raters for themes present in the data. Data from each focus group was first analyzed separately, after which a merged document of themes was created. We also examined data for patterns in themes among gender and age.
421
oneself with a social group that drinks or ‘‘parties.’’ Subjects expressed that these effects apply whether or not an adolescent has actually used alcohol. Other adolescents reported that these displays may represent consideration of alcohol use. One mentioned scenario was that an adolescent may display references to drinking on a SNS profile to ‘‘try out’’ that identity or test their friends’ reactions. Theme 3: References to alcohol use on SNSs have risks associated with them
The sample consisted of 14 male and 18 female adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 years. All subjects reported having seen, or heard about, adolescent SNS profiles displaying alcohol references. Three themes were identified in our data; all themes were discussed within every focus group, no gender differences were noted among themes.
Many adolescents reported awareness of risks concomitant with the display of alcohol references on SNS profiles. A first risk was having parents, teachers, or other adult figures view the displayed references, resulting in punitive consequences. A second risk was the potential that the information displayed on SNS profiles could be used for ‘‘blackmail’’ or ‘‘hazing.’’ A third risk was the potential to promote alcohol use among adolescents by showcasing it on SNS profiles. Adolescents expressed particular concern about the impact of these displays on younger adolescents.
Theme 1: References to alcohol use on SNS profiles represent real use of alcohol
Discussion
Results
Adolescents reported that they usually interpreted peer references to alcohol use on SNS profiles as displays of actual behavior. Younger adolescents, age 12 to 14 years, found these references particularly compelling. Personal photograph references were considered particularly convincing ‘‘evidence.’’ Theme 2: References to alcohol use represent efforts to appear ‘‘cool’’ Adolescents reported that references to alcohol use may represent efforts to ‘‘look cool’’ or garner social acceptance. Some adolescents stated that references to alcohol use represent efforts to ‘‘broadcast’’ personal activities, or affiliate
Our study provides a first assessment of how adolescents interpret references to alcohol use displayed on other adolescents’ SNS profiles. It may not be surprising that adolescents interpret these displayed alcohol references as displays of real behavior or attempts to look cool. However, these results suggest important links between SNS displays and adolescents’ attitudes toward alcohol use. Many adolescents interpret displayed references to alcohol use on SNSs as evidence of real behavior. Given the high proportion of alcohol references displayed by adolescents on SNSs, adolescents may feel peer pressure when viewing SNS profiles and assuming that so many adolescents are engaging in alcohol use. Perceived peer norms are an important influence on adolescent alcohol use
Themes 1 and 2 Adolescent focus group participants’’ interpretations of alcohol use references displayed on teens’’ SNS profiles Theme
Example quotes
Theme 1: references to alcohol use on SNS profiles represent real use of alcohol
‘‘. . . If they have a lot of pictures of ‘‘Well, if they have a ton of pictures drinking, and they put drinking as with a ton of friends, especially a hobby, I’m like they’re not joking friends who you know do things they’re probably a drinker.’’ Male like that, and they have a ton of pictures of it as proof, then you can’t really say that’s not true.’’ Female ‘‘Well if they have friends ‘‘It’s kind of to let people know that surrounding them that have profiles you are a certain status. That you and have already [tried alcohol] are the certain kind of like class or and maybe they got mocked by group. I think . . . I mean that you their friends and they just want to have the guts to do it kinda.’’ be cool.’’ Female Female
Theme 2: references to alcohol use represent efforts to appear ‘‘cool’’
SNS ¼ social networking Websites.
‘‘If I didn’t know someone I would probably think they were serious that they drank a lot.’’ Male
‘‘I think it’s a popularity thing, at least the alcohol thing. I mean it shows that you’re badass enough to go out and drink alcohol then put pictures of it on the Internet.‘‘ Female
422
M.A. Moreno et al. / Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 420–422
Theme 3 Risks associated with publicly displaying alcohol references on SNS profiles (suggested by adolescent focus group participants) Risk
Example quotes
Risk 1: punishment
‘‘I think it’s ridiculous to put pictures of yourself drinking underage or smoking. I’ve heard that employers can come online and look at your profile. Or parents or someone who really doesn’t like you they could print out a picture of you doing this and I think it’s really stupid.’’ Female ‘‘If I was in a fight with a really mean person they could take those and totally use that against me if they were that angry.’’ Female
Risk 2: ‘‘blackmail’’
Risk 3: promote alcohol use among peers
‘‘You might be encouraging other young people to do it.’’ Male
‘‘I have a friend . . . and his principal got his Facebook and there were a couple comments about him smoking marijuana. And they used it on him . . . the principal printed it out and he had to show it to his parents.’’ Male ‘‘I can’t see why they do it. Because it seems like you’re putting yourself in a really risky position. Besides, like, doing all that [drinking]. Taking photos is evidence. It’s almost like you’re giving the evidence to someone.’’ Female ‘‘I don’t think it really matters if it is real because they’re still talking about it and that could still get people to use.’’ Female
SNS ¼ social networking Websites.
[8]. Further, media cultivation theory supports this link between behaviors shown on media and adolescents’ willingness to engage in these same behaviors [9]. Many adolescents felt that displaying alcohol references on SNSs represented efforts to ‘‘look cool.’’ Media such as SNSs can influence adolescents by acting as a ‘‘superpeer,’’ promoting norms of behavior among other adolescents [10]. Regardless of whether references represent behavior, associating SNS alcohol references with potential social gain suggests that SNS references may influence attitudes. Furthermore, even if a given adolescent displays alcohol references just to ‘‘look cool’’ but is not drinking, displaying these references may lead to an expectation by peers that the adolescent will drink alcohol at a future social gathering. There are several limitations to our study. We utilized a convenience sample; therefore, generalization to the larger adolescent population is not possible. However, we sought a convenience sample that would minimize socioeconomic status bias by using general adolescent clinics and community recreational centers during the summer, a common time for adolescents to be part of these centers. Because of the stigmatizing nature of the collected data and participants’ ages, the IRB limited the demographic information we could collect. Despite these limitations, our study has important implications. Given the popularity of SNSs and the prevalence of displayed alcohol references, SNSs may influence adolescents’ attitudes toward alcohol use. Our participants identified displayed SNS alcohol references as a risk factor for adolescent alcohol use. The validity and magnitude of this risk merits further inquiry and consideration.
Acknowledgments This article was funded by a grant from the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute. The authors thank Libby Brockman, B.S., for her assistance in this project, and Catherine Arnott-Smith, Ph.D., for her assistance with this manuscript. References [1] Robinson TN, Chen HL, Killen JD. Television and music video exposure and risk of adolescent alcohol use. Pediatrics 1998;102(5):E54. [2] Klein JD, Brown JD, Dykers C, et al. Adolescents’ risky behavior and mass media use. Pediatrics 1993;92(1):24–31. [3] Roberts DF. Substance Use in Popular Music Videos. Rockville, MD: Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2002. [4] Moreno MA, Parks MR, Zimmerman FJ, et al. Display of health risk behaviors on MySpace by adolescents: prevalence and associations. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2009;163(1):35–41. [5] Lenhart A, Madden M. Social Networking Sites and Teens: An Overview. Washington, DC: Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2007. [6] Sargent JD, Wills TA, Stoolmiller M, et al. Alcohol use in motion pictures and its relation with early-onset teen drinking. J Stud Alcohol 2006;67(1):54–65. [7] Rychtarik RG, Fairbank JA, Allen CM, et al. Alcohol use in television programming: effects on children’s behavior. Addict Behav 1983; 8(1):19–22. [8] Callas PW, Flynn BS, Worden KW. Potentially modifiable psychosocial factors associated with alcohol use during early adolescence. Addict Behav 2004;29(8):1503–15. [9] Gerbner G, et al. Living with television: the dynamics of the cultivation process. In: Bryant J, Zillmann D, eds. Perspectives on Media Effects. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1986. [10] Strasburger VC, Wilson BJ, Jordan A. Children, Adolescents and the Media. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 2008.
Adolescent health brief
Real Use or ‘‘Real Cool’’: Adolescents Speak Out About Displayed Alcohol References on Social Networking Websites Megan A. Moreno, M.D., M.S.Ed., M.P.H.a,*, Leslie R. Briner, B.A.b, Amanda Williams, M.S.W., C.D.P.b, Leslie Walker, M.D.b, and Dimitri A. Christakis, M.D., M.P.H.c a
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin University of Washington, Seattle, Washington c Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Seattle, Washington Manuscript received February 25, 2009; manuscript accepted April 15, 2009 b
Abstract
Adolescents frequently display alcohol references on social networking Websites (SNSs). We conducted focus groups to determine adolescents’ interpretations of these displayed alcohol references. Regardless of whether displayed alcohol references represent actual use, adolescents typically interpret these references as representing actual use and acknowledge their potential influence on peer behavior. Ó 2009 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
Adolescent; Alcohol abuse; Internet; Social networking Websites; Focus groups
Exposure to substance use in media is linked to substance use among adolescents [1–3]. Social networking Websites (SNSs) are popular among adolescents, and many adolescents reference alcohol use on SNS profiles [4,5]. Examples include personal descriptions of alcohol use or pictures depicting the profile owner drinking alcohol [4]. This trend is worrisome, given media’s influence on adolescent behavior [1,2,6,7]. It is unclear how adolescents interpret other adolescents’ displayed alcohol references on SNSs; understanding their interpretations may inform education and prevention efforts. This study used focus groups to determine how adolescents interpret other adolescents’ displayed alcohol references on SNSs.
ton. The University of Washington and University of Wisconsin institutional review boards (IRBs) both approved this project. Because of the stigmatizing nature of the collected data and participant’s ages, the IRB permitted only limited collection of demographic information. Subjects A total of eight focus groups were conducted with adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18. Group size varied from three to six participants. Recruitment
Methods Study setting This study was conducted between June 2 and December 20, 2008. Focus groups were held in King County, Washing*Address correspondence to: Megan A. Moreno, M.D., M.S.Ed., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine, University of Wisconsin 600 Highland Avenue, CSC H4/444, Madison, WI 537924108. E-mail address: [email protected]
Participants were recruited from recreational centers and adolescent clinics using convenience sampling. All parents and adolescents were provided with written information for the study and consent was obtained. Participants were provided with pizza during the focus group and a nominal gift card. Focus groups Focus groups lasted between 45 and 90 minutes and were audio recorded. Each group was facilitated by one or two
1054-139X/09/$ – see front matter Ó 2009 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.04.015
M.A. Moreno et al. / Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 420–422
trained moderators and followed a semistructured format. Participants were encouraged to discuss their thoughts and interpretations of displayed alcohol references on adolescents’ SNS profiles. Analysis Tape recorded data was fully transcribed and manually analyzed. All transcripts were coded by three independent raters for themes present in the data. Data from each focus group was first analyzed separately, after which a merged document of themes was created. We also examined data for patterns in themes among gender and age.
421
oneself with a social group that drinks or ‘‘parties.’’ Subjects expressed that these effects apply whether or not an adolescent has actually used alcohol. Other adolescents reported that these displays may represent consideration of alcohol use. One mentioned scenario was that an adolescent may display references to drinking on a SNS profile to ‘‘try out’’ that identity or test their friends’ reactions. Theme 3: References to alcohol use on SNSs have risks associated with them
The sample consisted of 14 male and 18 female adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 years. All subjects reported having seen, or heard about, adolescent SNS profiles displaying alcohol references. Three themes were identified in our data; all themes were discussed within every focus group, no gender differences were noted among themes.
Many adolescents reported awareness of risks concomitant with the display of alcohol references on SNS profiles. A first risk was having parents, teachers, or other adult figures view the displayed references, resulting in punitive consequences. A second risk was the potential that the information displayed on SNS profiles could be used for ‘‘blackmail’’ or ‘‘hazing.’’ A third risk was the potential to promote alcohol use among adolescents by showcasing it on SNS profiles. Adolescents expressed particular concern about the impact of these displays on younger adolescents.
Theme 1: References to alcohol use on SNS profiles represent real use of alcohol
Discussion
Results
Adolescents reported that they usually interpreted peer references to alcohol use on SNS profiles as displays of actual behavior. Younger adolescents, age 12 to 14 years, found these references particularly compelling. Personal photograph references were considered particularly convincing ‘‘evidence.’’ Theme 2: References to alcohol use represent efforts to appear ‘‘cool’’ Adolescents reported that references to alcohol use may represent efforts to ‘‘look cool’’ or garner social acceptance. Some adolescents stated that references to alcohol use represent efforts to ‘‘broadcast’’ personal activities, or affiliate
Our study provides a first assessment of how adolescents interpret references to alcohol use displayed on other adolescents’ SNS profiles. It may not be surprising that adolescents interpret these displayed alcohol references as displays of real behavior or attempts to look cool. However, these results suggest important links between SNS displays and adolescents’ attitudes toward alcohol use. Many adolescents interpret displayed references to alcohol use on SNSs as evidence of real behavior. Given the high proportion of alcohol references displayed by adolescents on SNSs, adolescents may feel peer pressure when viewing SNS profiles and assuming that so many adolescents are engaging in alcohol use. Perceived peer norms are an important influence on adolescent alcohol use
Themes 1 and 2 Adolescent focus group participants’’ interpretations of alcohol use references displayed on teens’’ SNS profiles Theme
Example quotes
Theme 1: references to alcohol use on SNS profiles represent real use of alcohol
‘‘. . . If they have a lot of pictures of ‘‘Well, if they have a ton of pictures drinking, and they put drinking as with a ton of friends, especially a hobby, I’m like they’re not joking friends who you know do things they’re probably a drinker.’’ Male like that, and they have a ton of pictures of it as proof, then you can’t really say that’s not true.’’ Female ‘‘Well if they have friends ‘‘It’s kind of to let people know that surrounding them that have profiles you are a certain status. That you and have already [tried alcohol] are the certain kind of like class or and maybe they got mocked by group. I think . . . I mean that you their friends and they just want to have the guts to do it kinda.’’ be cool.’’ Female Female
Theme 2: references to alcohol use represent efforts to appear ‘‘cool’’
SNS ¼ social networking Websites.
‘‘If I didn’t know someone I would probably think they were serious that they drank a lot.’’ Male
‘‘I think it’s a popularity thing, at least the alcohol thing. I mean it shows that you’re badass enough to go out and drink alcohol then put pictures of it on the Internet.‘‘ Female
422
M.A. Moreno et al. / Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 420–422
Theme 3 Risks associated with publicly displaying alcohol references on SNS profiles (suggested by adolescent focus group participants) Risk
Example quotes
Risk 1: punishment
‘‘I think it’s ridiculous to put pictures of yourself drinking underage or smoking. I’ve heard that employers can come online and look at your profile. Or parents or someone who really doesn’t like you they could print out a picture of you doing this and I think it’s really stupid.’’ Female ‘‘If I was in a fight with a really mean person they could take those and totally use that against me if they were that angry.’’ Female
Risk 2: ‘‘blackmail’’
Risk 3: promote alcohol use among peers
‘‘You might be encouraging other young people to do it.’’ Male
‘‘I have a friend . . . and his principal got his Facebook and there were a couple comments about him smoking marijuana. And they used it on him . . . the principal printed it out and he had to show it to his parents.’’ Male ‘‘I can’t see why they do it. Because it seems like you’re putting yourself in a really risky position. Besides, like, doing all that [drinking]. Taking photos is evidence. It’s almost like you’re giving the evidence to someone.’’ Female ‘‘I don’t think it really matters if it is real because they’re still talking about it and that could still get people to use.’’ Female
SNS ¼ social networking Websites.
[8]. Further, media cultivation theory supports this link between behaviors shown on media and adolescents’ willingness to engage in these same behaviors [9]. Many adolescents felt that displaying alcohol references on SNSs represented efforts to ‘‘look cool.’’ Media such as SNSs can influence adolescents by acting as a ‘‘superpeer,’’ promoting norms of behavior among other adolescents [10]. Regardless of whether references represent behavior, associating SNS alcohol references with potential social gain suggests that SNS references may influence attitudes. Furthermore, even if a given adolescent displays alcohol references just to ‘‘look cool’’ but is not drinking, displaying these references may lead to an expectation by peers that the adolescent will drink alcohol at a future social gathering. There are several limitations to our study. We utilized a convenience sample; therefore, generalization to the larger adolescent population is not possible. However, we sought a convenience sample that would minimize socioeconomic status bias by using general adolescent clinics and community recreational centers during the summer, a common time for adolescents to be part of these centers. Because of the stigmatizing nature of the collected data and participants’ ages, the IRB limited the demographic information we could collect. Despite these limitations, our study has important implications. Given the popularity of SNSs and the prevalence of displayed alcohol references, SNSs may influence adolescents’ attitudes toward alcohol use. Our participants identified displayed SNS alcohol references as a risk factor for adolescent alcohol use. The validity and magnitude of this risk merits further inquiry and consideration.
Acknowledgments This article was funded by a grant from the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute. The authors thank Libby Brockman, B.S., for her assistance in this project, and Catherine Arnott-Smith, Ph.D., for her assistance with this manuscript. References [1] Robinson TN, Chen HL, Killen JD. Television and music video exposure and risk of adolescent alcohol use. Pediatrics 1998;102(5):E54. [2] Klein JD, Brown JD, Dykers C, et al. Adolescents’ risky behavior and mass media use. Pediatrics 1993;92(1):24–31. [3] Roberts DF. Substance Use in Popular Music Videos. Rockville, MD: Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2002. [4] Moreno MA, Parks MR, Zimmerman FJ, et al. Display of health risk behaviors on MySpace by adolescents: prevalence and associations. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2009;163(1):35–41. [5] Lenhart A, Madden M. Social Networking Sites and Teens: An Overview. Washington, DC: Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2007. [6] Sargent JD, Wills TA, Stoolmiller M, et al. Alcohol use in motion pictures and its relation with early-onset teen drinking. J Stud Alcohol 2006;67(1):54–65. [7] Rychtarik RG, Fairbank JA, Allen CM, et al. Alcohol use in television programming: effects on children’s behavior. Addict Behav 1983; 8(1):19–22. [8] Callas PW, Flynn BS, Worden KW. Potentially modifiable psychosocial factors associated with alcohol use during early adolescence. Addict Behav 2004;29(8):1503–15. [9] Gerbner G, et al. Living with television: the dynamics of the cultivation process. In: Bryant J, Zillmann D, eds. Perspectives on Media Effects. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1986. [10] Strasburger VC, Wilson BJ, Jordan A. Children, Adolescents and the Media. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 2008.