ABSTRACT
Substance use among youth persists as a high-risk behavior that places youth at risk for poor short- and long-term health outcomes and is often featured across different types of media. Media are an influential socialization agent for tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use, and youth are consistently exposed to messages that promote these behaviors. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the extent to which substances are featured in media content, how exposure to such content affects youth, and theoretical perspectives to understand and explain the mechanisms through which media affect youth cognitions, norms, and behavior. We also highlight strategies used to reduce the negative influence of media and strategic messaging designed to prevent substance use.
