Is frequent use of social media linked with alcohol use and gambling problems?

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Author(s): Oksanen, Atte ; Savolainen, Iina

Journal: Alcohol and Alcoholism

Year Published: 2024

Date Added: August 03, 2024

This study explored how active use of social media may be associated with alcohol use and problem gambling among adults. The researchers surveyed a group of Finnish adults over three years. They found that weekly users of Facebook and TikTok tended to use alcohol more hazardously than non-weekly users. Also, people who increased their Facebook use over time tended to drink alcohol more hazardously. People who were involved in online gambling communities or used TikTok weekly were also more likely to develop gambling problems than non-weekly users. Interestingly, weekly Instagram users were less likely to engage in heavy alcohol use. These findings indicate that various social media platforms can affect users in distinct ways. Understanding their impact on different types of users is essential for anticipating and mitigating potentially harmful effects.

Citation: Savolainen, I., & Oksanen, A. (2024). Keeping you connected or keeping you addicted? Weekly use of social media platforms is associated with hazardous alcohol use and problem gambling among adults. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 59(3), agae024. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agae024

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agae024

Keywords: alcohol ; alcohol use disorder ; alcoholism ; online communities ; problem gambling ; social media

Topics: Comorbidities ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors: Cultural - Gambling Cultures ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Exposure - Marketing and Messaging ; Psychological Factors ; Cultural Factors ; Gambling Exposure

Study Design: Observational: Longitudinal

Geographic Coverage: Finland

Study Population: Finnish adults aged 18–75 (n = 753 for participants who completed all six waves of survey)

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited through an online panel managed by the data provider company Norstat.

Study Funding:

This study was supported by the Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies.