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Internet chameleons: an experimental study on imitating smoking peers through digital interaction
Zeena Harakeh1, Wilma A M Vollebergh
1Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. z.harakeh@uu.nl
Summary
Young adults imitate smoking behavior when interacting with peers online via webcam, even without direct contact. This highlights the need for antismoking initiatives to address digital peer influence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Young adults are more prone to smoke when with real-life smoking peers.
- Previous research has not distinguished between imitation and olfactory cues in peer influence.
- Digital interactions offer a novel way to study peer influence without sensory exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether young adults imitate smoking behavior during online interactions with peers.
- To determine if digital peer exposure influences smoking rates independently of smell.
Main Methods:
- An experiment involving 36 young daily smokers (ages 16-24).
- Participants interacted with confederates via webcam during a 30-minute music task.
- Smoking behavior was observed during the online interaction.
Main Results:
- Participants interacting with heavy-smoking peers online smoked significantly more cigarettes.
- Exposure to smoking peers via webcam increased smoking behavior.
Conclusions:
- Young adult smokers imitate smoking during online webcam interactions, demonstrating imitation independent of smell.
- Antismoking strategies should include awareness of digital peer influence and avoiding online smoking peers.
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