Posting Alcohol-Related Content and Texting Under the Influence Among Hispanic College Students

Abstract

Social media use and texting among college students often coincide with drinking. The present study investigated the associations between monthly alcohol use, social media habits, sharing alcohol references, and drunk texting among Hispanic college students. Participants (n = 620, 71.6% female; Mage = 21.07 years, SD = 3.60) completed an online survey containing: demographics, drug use frequency, Sharing of Alcohol-Related Content on Social Media Sites Scale (SARC), Texting Under the Influence Scale, Strategic Self Presentation Scale, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and iPhone Screen Time. Bivariate correlations assessed relationships between all variables. Six logistic regressions assessed subscales of the SARC, and a linear regression assessed the Texting Under the Influence Scale. Almost 15% of participants met criteria for social media addiction, almost 40% reported ever sharing alcohol posts, and approximately 20% reported drunk texting at least once per month. Participants with iPhones averaged 16.84 weekly hours on social media (based on “screen time”). Frequently posting references of drinking alone was associated with more time on social media, higher social media addiction, and greater public sharing of alcohol content. Conversely, posting references of drinking at social gatherings was associated with privately sharing alcohol references and increased social media addiction. Drunk texting was related to increased age, greater Instagram use, decreased Facebook use, and privately sharing alcohol posts. Findings suggest patterns of drinking and sharing alcohol-related content to inform health promotion efforts, especially while many during COVID-19 are heightening use of alcohol and social media.