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Digital Alcohol and Cannabis Ads, Consumption Frequency, and Driving Under the Influence
Jonathan K Noel1, Samantha R Rosenthal1,2, Zachery C Edwards3
1Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|February 20, 2024
Summary
Digital ads for alcohol and cannabis are linked to young adults driving under the influence (DUI). Social media alcohol ads may indirectly increase driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA), while app-based cannabis ads directly correlate with driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC).
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Use Research
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- Limited understanding exists regarding the impact of substance-related advertising on impaired driving behaviors.
- Young adults are a key demographic for both substance consumption and digital media engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the association between exposure to digital advertising for alcohol and cannabis and the prevalence of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) and driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) among young adults.
- To investigate specific digital advertising platforms (e.g., social media, apps) and their differential relationships with DUIA and DUIC.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional web-based survey (Rhode Island Young Adult Survey 2022) of 1,022 adults aged 18-25.
- Prevalence of past-30-day digital ad exposure to alcohol and cannabis, and past-month DUIA and DUIC were assessed.
- Multivariable logistic regressions analyzed associations between digital ad exposure and impaired driving behaviors, controlling for sociodemographic variables and substance use frequency.
Main Results:
- Over half of participants (54.4%) reported exposure to digital alcohol ads, and 33.5% to digital cannabis ads in the past 30 days.
- Exposure to social media alcohol advertising was associated with higher odds of DUIA, though this link diminished after accounting for usage frequency.
- App-based cannabis advertising exposure showed a significant, direct association with DUIC, even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and frequency of use.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a potential indirect link between social media alcohol advertising and DUIA.
- App-based cannabis advertising appears to have a direct association with DUIC and substance use frequency.
- Legislators should consider comprehensive regulations and potential bans on substance-related digital advertising to mitigate impaired driving risks.
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