Introduction
Media can influence youth drug and alcohol use by portraying the use of these substances in a positive or glamorous light or by depicting characters using them without experiencing negative consequences. This can lead to the normalization of drug and alcohol use among the youth and can make it more likely for them to engage in these behaviors themselves.
Discussion
Additionally, the media can play a role in shaping attitudes toward drug and alcohol policies and laws. It is stated that there is a correlation between media exposure and youth drug use (Hanson et al., 2022). For example, youth who are exposed to a higher level of media content that depicts drug and alcohol use are more likely to engage in these behaviors themselves (Hanson et al., 2022). For instance, war movies demonstrating soldiers smoking cigarettes can influence impressionable young males to smoke to appear as masculine as the actors (Hanson et al., 2022). Thus, it is particularly true when the media portrays drug and alcohol use in a positive or glamorous light or when characters using these substances do not experience negative consequences.
Conclusion
However, it is important to note that media exposure is not the only factor that influences youth drug use. There are many other factors, such as family, peers, and individual characteristics, that can play a role as well. In addition, the correlation between media exposure and drug use is not necessarily causal, meaning that media exposure may not be directly causing youth drug use. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between media and youth drug use. The most likely case is that there is a strong cumulative effect of media and other factors, such as easy access and social circle.
Reference
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. J., & Fleckenstein, A. E. (2022). Drugs and society. Jones & Bartlett Learning.