Instagram, risky drinking and main health effects in Spanish adolescents in the COVID‐19 pandemic. A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Instagram, alcohol consumption and the impact on adolescent health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and sample: A qualitative study was carried out with 13 focus groups, involving 38 interviews. The fieldwork was conducted between January and December 2021 using a semi-structured script with three main categories. The research was carried out by a team specialized in adolescent risks and qualitative research. Results: Three main categories were established: (1) The COVID-19 pandemic, Instagram and Risky Drinking, (2) Risk prevention and control strategies and (3) Effects on health. The participants (n = 118) reported greater alcohol consumption among Instagram users, either because this social media platform was used to spread the practice of alcohol consumption, or because they were affected by the content posted by digital marketers, Instagrammers, and/or contacts on Instagram. More than half of the sample (67.8%) had health problems (loss of control, headaches, difficulty in breathing, trembling, anxiety attacks, vomiting, tiredness, blackouts, and absence seizures), of whom 35% required urgent attention from their parents and/or the health services. Conclusions: Further research is needed to prevent risky drinking related to the use of social networking sites (SNSs) and its main health effects.