Perceived Attitudes About Substance Use in Anonymous Social Media Posts Near College Campuses: Observational Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Substance use is a major issue for adolescents and young adults, particularly college students. With the importance of peer influence and the ubiquitous use of social media among these age groups, it is important to assess what is discussed on various social media sites regarding substance use. One particular mobile app (Yik Yak) allowed users to post any message anonymously to nearby persons, often in areas with close proximity to major colleges and universities.

Objective

This study describes the content, including attitude toward substances, of social media discussions that occurred near college campuses and involved substances.

Methods

A total of 493 posts about drugs and alcohol on Yik Yak were reviewed and coded for their content, as well as the poste

SUBMITTER: Hammond AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6096169 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature