The Effect of the Internet on Teen and Young Adult Tobacco Use: A Literature Review

Abstract

Research has shown that a positive association exists between exposure to smoking imagery, such as that found in movies and print advertising, and the subsequent uptake of cigarette smoking. Children appear to be especially vulnerable to advertising messaging and other positive portrayals of smoking, given that most adult smokers develop the habit before age 18 years. Although many traditional types of media have been studied, the current generation of youth is growing up as digital natives, with young people increasingly using the Internet for entertainment and to obtain information. Currently the Internet is an essentially unregulated marketplace of ideas and images. However, the effect of the Internet on teen smoking initiation has received little attention in studies. In this literature review, we summarize and critique the existing work, identify current knowledge gaps, and offer suggestions to health care providers about how to address this issue.

Gender Differences in Responses towards Anti-Smoking Messages and Policy Implementation among Future Doctors in Malaysia

“…This finding is concerning because the internet is highly accessible and provides an easy and increasingly popular method of obtaining cigarettes and other tobacco products online. For example, in the US, YouTube receives 1.2 billion visits from 122 million people annually, and 26% of these people were less than 18 years old (Forsyth, 2012). Furthermore, researchers have recently found that more YouTube videos portray smoking in a positive way than in a negative way (Forsyth et al, 2012).…”

“…For example, in the US, YouTube receives 1.2 billion visits from 122 million people annually, and 26% of these people were less than 18 years old (Forsyth, 2012). Furthermore, researchers have recently found that more YouTube videos portray smoking in a positive way than in a negative way (Forsyth et al, 2012). Therefore, to ensure greater dissemination among young people, we urge local governments and international partnerships to promote the delivery of anti-smoking messages through Facebook, YouTube, online newspapers and online advertisements.…”

An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement: Current Understanding and Future Research Needs in Tobacco Control and Treatment

“…Perhaps most importantly, the Internet and social networking sites provide new, substantial, and inexpensive venues for tobacco advertisements and tailored imagery (41)(42)(43). Because cost is an important factor influencing tobacco use by youth, a majority of marketing dollars are used to lower the cost of cigarettes to consumers, particularly with price-reducing promotions and coupons (6, 36).…”

Perceived social and media influences on tobacco use among Samoan youth

“…Most notably, the bulk of these studies have been conducted within high income settings where access to media, parental expectations and rules around media use and interpretations are likely to reflect the dominant cultural values. In essence, the most pervasive findings from international studies points to media being a significant informant in the shaping of perceived norms about tobacco use [23]. Increasingly research is focusing on the type of media being consumed by young people.…”

“…Increasingly research is focusing on the type of media being consumed by young people. Access to digital media, in particular cell phones and the internet, has radically increased in the Pacific and is likely to be focal point for entertainment and information for young people [15, 23–25]. It is a shift that has not escaped the attention of the tobacco industry.…”