Background: The inappropriate use of medications prescribed by physicians is complicated by the presence of misinformation and disinformation about substances, shaping attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions around the use of substances. Objectives: This study aims to explore the associations among "news-finds-me" (NFM) perceptions, substance misinformation beliefs, and nonmedical prescription drug use, with particular attention to how these associations vary by gender. Results: In order to understand these associations, we conduct a national survey in the U.S. among young adults aged 18-29 (N = 1201). The findings from a moderated mediation model show that participants with higher NFM perceptions tend to have greater substance use misinformation beliefs, which in turn, is associated with increased acceptance of nonmedical prescription drug use. Moreover, this association is moderated by gender such that the association is true only for males in our sample. Conclusions: This study suggests the broader implications of passive information consumption on substance misinformation belief and substance use behavior in case of males, suggesting that targeted strategies are necessary to address gender-specific differences.

Purpose: To investigate how media literacy and varied media consumption influenced substance use behavior. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Setting: Online survey was conducted June 22-July 18, 2020, with quality checks. Subjects: The study recruited U.S. residents aged 18 and older who were proficient in English ( N = 1264). Panel sampling using quotas reflecting U.S. census was employed as an alternative to random digit dialing sampling. Measures: Substance use behavior, media literacy for news, liberal media use, conservative media use, social media use, and demographics were assessed. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted. Media literacy for news was negatively associated with substance use ( β = −.15, SE = .08, P < 0.01, [95% CI: −.36, .06]) and interaction effect between social media use and media literacy for news on substance use behavior was significant ( β = .47, SE = .05, P = 0.02, [95% CI: .02, .20]) in the final model ( F (12, 1207) = 33.21, R ² = 25%). Conclusions: Media literacy for news has a negative association with substance use behavior. Social media use, specifically, diminishes the effect of media literacy skills on substance use behavior. The prediction is based on correlational data. Further investigations are required to examine how individuals’ specific patterns of media use impact substance use behavior as part of media literacy intervention efforts.

Young adults (ages 18-29) may encounter social media content that presents misinformation about substances. They may use this in their decision-making and further share this misinformation with others. This study tests how an online media literacy intervention influences participants' perceptions of substance use misinformation. An online between-groups experiment (N = 1201) involving U.S. adults aged 18-29 tested whether an infographic could increase skepticism toward social media messages about substance use containing misinformation. The intervention significantly reduced the believability of one of the six misinformation statements tested in the study, and age differences were found in responses to misinformation. That brief exposure to an intervention shows a significant effect is promising. A stronger intervention should be designed and studied that considers the cognitive development of young adults.

Purpose: This study explores how internet use can undermine patient engagement through information overload and health anxiety, and how patient-centered communication (PCC) may buffer or reshape these effects. Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Setting: The study conducted online survey through Qualtrics. Sample: A random sample of U.S. adults aged 18 or older completed online survey for $2.30 compensation. After excluding ineligible responses, the final sample was included for the analysis ( N = 356). Measures: Key variables included internet use, information overload, health anxiety, patient engagement, and PCC, demonstrating high reliability. Analysis: Simple mediation analysis and moderated mediation analysis were conducted. Results: Simple mediation analysis showed that internet use was positively associated with information overload which increased health anxiety (indirect effect = 0.013, 95% CI [0.002, 0.027]). The indirect effect of internet use on engagement was significant at low (−1 SD; PCC = 2.798; b = −0.005, 95% CI [−0.011, −0.002]), and medium levels of PCC (mean; PCC = 3.731; b = −0.003, 95% CI [−0.007, −0.001]), but not at high levels. Conclusion: This study suggests that healthcare providers should take continuing PCC education to overcome generic barriers that patients encounter both online and in clinical settings, thereby improving health outcomes.