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Representations of Psychoactive Drugs’ Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences

Author

Listed:
  • Marek A. Motyka

    (Institute of Sociological Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland)

  • Ahmed Al-Imam

    (Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
    Alumni Ambassador, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK)

Abstract

Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs.

Suggested Citation

  • Marek A. Motyka & Ahmed Al-Imam, 2021. "Representations of Psychoactive Drugs’ Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:6000-:d:568091
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Distefan, J.M. & Pierce, J.P. & Gilpin, E.A., 2004. "Erratum: Do favorite movie stars influence adolescent smoking initiation? (American Journal of Public Health (2004) 94 (1239-1244))," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(8), pages 1296-1296.
    2. Distefan, J.M. & Pierce, J.P. & Gilpin, E.A., 2004. "Do favorite movie stars influence adolescent smoking initiation?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(7), pages 1239-1244.
    3. Dave, Dhaval & Saffer, Henry, 2013. "Demand for smokeless tobacco: Role of advertising," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 682-697.
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