The effects of media use on substance abuse among U.S. adolescents

Abstract

This paper mainly explores the current situation and the effects of substance abuse among U.S. adolescents, with a focus on the effects of media use on substance abuse in the youth, which has drawn material attention in recent years considering the healthy development of adolescents. The United States' high substance consumption rates and increasing overdose deaths among these young individuals in their early life stages highlight the urgency of addressing this question. By synthesizing a list of related reviews published in recent years, this paper clarifies the acute condition of substance use among U.S. adolescents and gives a brief introduction of its impacts as well as the medical treatments or interventions in practice. Furthermore, this paper finds both positive and negative roles of media in the act of abusing in this certain age group by reviewing previous studies. This paper can provide a comprehensive and neutral perspective on this issue to all.