The Relationship Between Alcohol-Related Content on Social Media and Alcohol Outcomes in Young Adults: A Scoping Review Mai-Ly N. Steers,1 ORCID logo Megan Strowger,2 ORCID logo Angela B. Tanygin,1 ORCID logo Rose Marie Ward,3 ORCID logo and David A. Nolfi4

https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/volume/45/1/relationship-between-alcohol-related-content-social-media-and-alcohol-outcomes-young?utm_source=arcr-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=steers-2026-04&utm_content=arcr-listserv The Relationship Between Alcohol-Related Content on Social Media and Alcohol Outcomes in Young Adults: A Scoping Review Mai-Ly N. Steers, Megan Strowger, Angela B. Tanygin, Rose Marie Ward, and David A. Nolfi Young adults frequently use social media, where content related to alcohol use is pervasive. This scoping review examines the associations between exposure to and/or posting of alcohol-related content on social media and outcomes such as alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems in young adults. The analyses found that young adults who frequently posted alcohol-related content were more likely to have higher drinking levels and alcohol-related problems. Similarly, an association existed between exposure to alcohol-related content and increased alcohol use. The authors propose a theoretical model based on established theories to better understand how alcohol-related social media content may influence young adults’ alcohol use and related problems. The model also may help advance future research to untangle these complex relationships, identify individuals who are particularly at risk, and tailor interventions for these groups.