University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Advertising Assistant Professor Jordan Alpert, Advertising Associate Professor Huan Chen and doctoral student Kelsy-Ann Adams are the authors of “E-cigarettes and Social Media: Attitudes and Perceptions of Young Adults to Social Media Messages” published in Addiction Research & Theory on Sept. 16.

Their study focused on the risks and addictive nature of electronic devices that deliver nicotine and their appeal to young adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricts the promotion of flavors as well as claims that e-cigarettes (e-cigs) are healthier than cigarettes. However, there are no regulations on social media promotion.

Their results found that e-cig messages appearing on social media normalize the use of the devices. Visual appeals are highly influential and young adults who constantly see e-cig messages on social media may be encouraged to try them. They suggest that the social media promotion of e-cigs should be monitored to help prevent the current epidemic from escalating.

Posted: September 16, 2019
Category: College News
Tagged as: Huan Chen, Jordan Alpert, Kelsy-Ann Adams