College Students’ Alcohol Displays on Facebook: Intervention Considerations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate college freshmen's views towards potential social networking site (SNS) screening or intervention efforts regarding alcohol. PARTICIPANTS: Freshmen college students between February 2010 and May 2011. METHODS: Participants were interviewed; all interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Qualitative analysis was conducted using an iterative approach. RESULTS: A total of 132 participants completed the interview (70% response rate), the average age was 18.4 years (SD 0.49), and 64 were males (48.5%). Three themes emerged from our data. First, most participants stated they viewed displayed alcohol content as indicative of alcohol use. Second, they explained they would prefer to be approached in a direct manner by someone they knew. Third, the style of approach was considered critical. CONCLUSIONS: When approaching college students regarding alcohol messages on SNSs, both the relationship and the approach are key factors.