Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents and the Information Paradox

Abstract

Alcohol is the neurotoxic substance that is most frequently consumed by adolescents. Thus, it is a highly relevant topic in the sociology of health given the negative consequences at this stage of development. This study, based on a survey of 1307 adolescents aged 15 to 18 in Tarragona, analyzes individual, environmental and informational factors influencing three types of alcohol consumption. Age and peer influence are found to increase the likelihood of consumption, although gender does not. Contrary to expectations, those adolescents who believe that they are better informed about the effects of consumption do not display lower consumption rates, suggesting an “information paradox”. Furthermore, it was found that information from friends facilitates consumption, whereas information from formal sources, such as the media, inhibits said consumption.