Could Social Media Help Reduce Binge Drinking In College?

Excessive drinking is all too common among college students. Yet researchers at Boston University School of Public Health have found that social media can help to potentially address some of the problem.

"Low prices and easy availability of essentially unlimited amounts of alcohol, especially served in large containers in poorly supervised settings, create an almost insurmountable barrier to effective action to prevent and reduce harm," said study author David Rosenbloom, in a news release.

For the study, researchers conducted an analysis that showed how web-based screening and intervention programs were successful when used in small trials. Furthermore, it examined how they should be tested on a larger scale and over a long enough time to measure their usefulness.

Researchers found that "credible" messaging discouraged excessive drinking that should be developed for experts in web/mobile design and programming.

"Emerging technologies offer an almost unprecedented opportunity to build and implement effective prevention and treatment interventions at scale, particularly in screening and intervention," the report added.

Furthermore, the researchers went on to note how interaction through social media could potentially help them avoid harm during high risk times. However, they also said they believe that social media tools "need to be utilized in the context of comprehensive policies that address price, access and accountability."