NCJ Number
244615
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 42 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 1674-1686
Date Published
November 2013
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between online network characteristics and substance use in a sample of emerging adults (ages 18-24) from across the United States.
Abstract
Researchers have reported that network characteristics are associated with substance use behavior. Considering that social interactions within online networks are increasingly common, the authors examined the relationship between online network characteristics and substance use in a sample of emerging adults (ages 18-24) from across the United States (N = 2,153; M = 21 years old; 47 percent female; 70 percent White). The authors used regression analyses to examine the relationship between online ego network characteristics (i.e., characteristics of individuals directly related to the focal participant plus the relationships shared among individuals within the online network) and alcohol use and substance use, respectively. Alcohol use was associated with network density (i.e., interconnectedness between individuals in a network), total number of peer ties, and a greater proportion of emotionally close ties. In sex-stratified models, density was related to alcohol use for males but not females. Drug use was associated with an increased number of peer ties, and the increased proportion of network members' discussion and acceptance of drug use, respectively. The authors also found that online network density and total numbers of ties were associated with more personal drug use for males but not females. Conversely, the authors noted that social norms were related to increased drug use and this relationship was stronger for females than males. The authors discuss the implications of their findings for substance use and online network research. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.