Purba, A. K., Henderson, M. , Baxter, A. , Katikireddi, S. V. and Pearce, A. (2023) The relationship between time spent on social media and adolescent alcohol use: a longitudinal analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study. European Journal of Public Health, 33(6), pp. 1043-1051. (doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad163) (PMID:37699850) (PMCID:PMC10710344)
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Abstract
Background: To estimate the effect of social media use in 14 year olds on risk of and inequalities in alcohol use and binge drinking at 17 years. Methods: Using the UK-representative Millennium Cohort Study, the relationship between time spent on social media (assessed using questionnaires [n = 8987] and time-use-diaries [n = 2520]) with frequency of alcohol use in the past month and binge drinking was estimated using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) or adjusted relative risk ratios (ARRRs). Associations within low and high parental education groups were compared to examine effect modification. Analyses accounted for pre-specified confounders, baseline outcome measures (to address reverse causality), sample design, attrition and item-missingness (through multiple imputation). Results: Questionnaire-reported time spent on social media was associated with increased risk of alcohol use and binge drinking in a dose–response manner. Compared to 1-< 30 min/day social media users, 30 min-<1 h/day users were more likely to report alcohol use ≥6 times/month (ARRR 1.62 [95% confidence interval 1.20 to 2.20]) and binge drinking (AOR 1.51 [1.22 to 1.87]), as were 1–<2 h/day users (ARRR 2.61 [1.90 to 3.58]; AOR 2.06 [1.69 to 2.52]) and ≥2 h/day users (ARRR 4.80 [3.65 to 6.32]; AOR 3.07 [2.54 to 3.70]). Social media measured by time-use-diary was associated with higher risks, although not always demonstrating a dose–response relationship. The effect of social media use (vs no-use) on binge drinking was larger in the higher (vs lower) parental education groups. Analyses repeated in complete case samples, and with adjustment for baseline outcome measures revealed consistent findings. Conclusions: Findings suggest social media use may increase risk of alcohol use and binge drinking. Regulatory action protecting adolescents from harmful alcohol-related social media content is necessary.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This work was supported by the Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00022/2), Chief Scientist Office (SPHSU17), an NHS Research Scotland Senior Clinical Fellowship (SCAF/15/02) and the Wellcome Trust (205412/Z/16/Z). The alcohol use variables in MCS5 were co-funded by grant AA019606 from the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Katikireddi, Professor Vittal and Baxter, Dr Andy and PURBA, Amrit and Henderson, Prof Marion and Pearce, Dr Anna |
| Authors: | Purba, A. K., Henderson, M., Baxter, A., Katikireddi, S. V., and Pearce, A. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | European Journal of Public Health |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| ISSN: | 1101-1262 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1464-360X |
| Published Online: | 12 September 2023 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2023 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in European Journal of Public Health 33(6):1043-1051 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons license |
| Data DOI: | 10.5281/zenodo.7664236 |
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