Social Media and Substance Use Among Young Hispanic EDM Attendees: A Perspective on Prototype Perceptions

An online survey was conducted among young Hispanics who attended electronic dance music (EDM) events (N = 615) to examine how substance-related content on social media and peer substance use were associated with prototype perceptions and actual substance use. Exposure to substance-related content on social media was associated with positive prototype perceptions of typical alcohol, cannabis, and illicit drug users, and these prototype perceptions were positively related to corresponding substance use. Additionally, exposure to substance-related content was directly and positively correlated with substance use in all three contexts, with the association being stronger when peer use was higher rather than lower in the context of illicit drug use. Practical implications are discussed.