The National Institutes of Health has granted more than $11 million in awards to researchers exploring the use of social media to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of substance use and addiction.
“We hope to learn more about how changing technologies affect interpersonal communications and factual knowledge about tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, including the nonmedical use of prescription drugs,” said Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in a press statement.
Facebook and Twitter have become important sources of public information, and as such they may be used to help scientists identify prevailing attitudes and myths about alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances. Additionally, scientists hope to use these interactive media to convey accurate information to the public. Using social media, researchers also may gain insights into patterns of use, risk factors, and behaviors associated with substance use.
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