The use of social networking sites: A risk factor for using alcohol, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoids?
The use of social networking sites (SNS) has become a central aspect of youth culture allowing individuals to explore and assert their identities. A commonly portrayed online identity is an "alcohol identity," and past research suggests such identities may contribute to one's risk of using alcohol. The present study builds on past research by examining the relationship between alcohol, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoid use (e.g., Spice, K2) and time spent on SNS in a sample of college students.



Six hundred ninety nine undergraduates (62.4% female; Mage=21.0, SD=8.56) were recruited from a university on the U.S./Mexico border for an online study. Participants completed measures assessing demographics, substance use history, and amount of time spent on SNS.



Participants reported spending 46h per month on SNS. Seventy-one percent, 14%, and 3% of the sample reported past month use of alcohol, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoids, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that hours spent on SNS in the past month were significantly associated with frequency of alcohol (p<0.001) and synthetic cannabinoid use (p<0.001). In addition, being male was associated with frequency of alcohol and marijuana use in the past month (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively).



These findings suggest that assessment of time spent on SNS is warranted in studies investigating drug use among college students.
Yale University, School of Medicine, Division of Prevention and Community Research, 389 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511, United States. Electronic address: kevin.gutierrez@yale.edu.
Kevin M
KM
Gutierrez
University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Psychology, 500 West University Ave, El Paso 79912, United States.
Theodore V
TV
Cooper
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D060756:Social Networking; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities / Q000639:trends; D055815:Young Adult
D002186:Cannabinoids
Drug use; Hispanics; Social media