Substance Use in Popular Movies and Music

This study examines the frequency and nature of substance use in the most popular movie rentals and songs of 1996 and 1997. The intent was to determine the accuracy of public perceptions about extensive substance use in media popular among youth. Because teenagers are major consumers of movies and music, there is concern about the potential for media depictions of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs to encourage use. For instance, portrayals that tend to legitimize, normalize, trivialize, or glorify substances might suggest to young people that this behavior is without negative consequences. Findings reveal that 98 percent of movies studied depicted illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco or over-the-counter/prescription medicines. The major finding from the song analysis is the dramatic difference among music categories, with substance references being particularly common in Rap. Illicit drugs were mentioned in 63 percent of Rap songs versus about 10 percent of the lyrics in the other categories. Neither movies nor music provided much information about motives for substance use; however, the two media depicted the consequences quite differently, especially for illicit drugs. Study argues that careful examination of media content is a crucial first step in determining what role media may play in promoting substance use and abuse. (Contains 21 references and 4 appendixes.) (GCP)