Social media and college student risk behaviors: A mini-review.
Use of social media use is widespread and frequent among college students. Posting photos and text related to risk behaviors (e.g., problematic alcohol use, illicit drug use) on social media websites is common and has been linked to personal substance use and negative outcomes. This mini-review summarizes current findings related to associations between college students' social media use and engagement in risk behaviors. Conducting research on social media poses unique challenges for researchers; these challenges are reviewed and their impact on the state of the current literature discussed. Finally, implications for prevention and intervention efforts are discussed as well as recommendations regarding future research in the area of social media and college student risk behaviors.
University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA. Electronic address: ggroth@albany.edu.
Gabrielle G
GG
Groth
University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA. Electronic address: llongo@albany.edu.
Laura M
LM
Longo
University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA. Electronic address: jlmartin@albany.edu.
Jessica L
JL
Martin
D000067292:Alcohol Drinking in College; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D061108:Social Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014495:Universities
Alcohol use; College students; Intervention; Prevention; Risk behavior; Social media