Substance use and addiction are both very prevalent
in media today. Substance use is often especially portrayed in current music.
In a study, researchers studied the prevalence of substance use in contemporary
popular music. Two hundred seventy nine songs were analyzed from 2005.
Researchers found that 41.6% of songs studied have a substance use reference of
any kind (Primack, Dalton, Agarwal, & Fine, 2008). Approximately 33.3% of
the songs contained explicit substance references (Primack, Dalton, Agarwal,
& Fine, 2008). The substances
referenced most often were alcohol followed by marijuana. These references
varied by song genre. Rap songs contained the most number of references of
substance use (Primack, Dalton, Agarwal, & Fine, 2008).
There were numerous reasons represented within the
songs for why substance use was occurring. The most common motivations for
substance use were peer/social pressure, sexual, and financial (Primack,
Dalton, Agarwal, & Fine, 2008). This information could be a major influence
on teens and young adults of today because according to the study, the average
adolescent is most likely exposed to approximately 84 references of substance
use per day (Primack, Dalton, Agarwal, & Fine, 2008).
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism, this frequent exposure to substance use is associated with
illicit-drug use and problems with alcohol in young people (Chen, Miller, &
Grube, 2006). Also, the researchers suggest that the fact that teens and young
adults are listening to this music shows their preference. This then may
reinforce their positive attitude towards substance use (Chen, Miller, &
Grube, 2006). The fact that substance use is so often referenced within popular
music today is concerning. It is important for artists and society to be aware
of the fact that music is a major influence for young people and that it may
even affect their thoughts, attitudes, and behavior.
References:
Chen, M. J., Miller, B. A., &
Grube, J. W. (2006). Influence of music on youth behaviors. Brown University
Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 22(6), 3-4.
Primack, B. A., Dalton, M. A.,
Agarwal, A. A. & Fine, M. J. (2008). Content
analysis of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs in popular music. Retrieved
from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004676/
