Exposición a contenidos relacionados con el alcohol en Facebook y consumo de alcohol en adolescentes

Introduction: exponential and excessive use of social networks like Facebook could lead to greater exposure of alcohol-related content and influence adolescent drinking behavior.  Objective: to determine the influence of the exposure of alcohol-related content on the pattern of alcohol consumption, in addition to knowing the differences in frequency and exposure of alcohol-related content on Facebook in consumers and non-consumers of alcohol.  Method: a predictive correlational study was carried out, with 672 adolescents from technical high schools, a data card, the Facebook use questionnaire (CUF) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were used.  Results: significant differences in exposure to alcohol-related content on Facebook were found, with higher means and medians among adolescents who reported alcohol consumption compared to those who did not (U = 40875.0, p =.001). In addition, regression analysis revealed that hours per day on Facebook and exposure to alcohol-related content on Facebook predict alcohol consumption in adolescents.  Discussion and conclusions: alcohol consumers presented greater exposure to alcohol-related content, in addition it was found that the current alcohol consumption behavior was explained through the number of hours per day of Facebook use and exposure.