Social Media Use Trajectories and Substance Use Experimentation: A Prospective Cohort Study

This study aimed to investigate the prospective relationship between social media use trajectories and substance use experimentation among adolescents. Analyzing data from over 7,000 participants, the authors identified four distinct patterns of social media use, finding that those with increasing usage were significantly more likely to experiment with alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine, particularly among those with early-onset, rapid increases in use. The results highlight the importance of promoting healthier digital habits to mitigate potential substance use risks in early adolescence.