Excessive portrayal of substance abuse in the media

Other Names:

Glorification of drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the media
Irresponsible advertising for addictive substances
Widespread promotion of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes
Indiscriminate liquor advertising
Portrayal of substance abuse as fashionable
Positive image of illegal substances in the media
Heroin chic
Glamourization of drug abuse
Drug pushing fashion photography

Nature:

Advertising seeks to promote a wider acceptance and use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco; it therefore never mentions the hazards associated with their consumption. Illegal drugs are also promoted by the media, albeit indirectly: the fashion industry refers to a particular style of model as "heroin chic", promoting a fashionable and therefore acceptable image of heroin abuse.

Advertising for addictive substances is found in all forms of mass media: printed in magazines, newspapers, and journals; heard live on the radio; viewed on television. It is not uncommon to find covert advertising – the mention of a brand name, for instance – in non-commercial articles or programmes. Such advertising is indiscriminate and widespread. Minors may be forbidden by law to purchase alcohol or tobacco, but they are constantly confronted with advertising promoting its use. Communities that want to limit substance abuse cannot close their borders to the media and its positive image of addictive substances.

Broader Problems:

Misuse of advertising
Distorted media presentations

Narrower Problems:

Irresponsible tobacco and cigarette advertising

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Excessive portrayal of substance abuse in the media

About the Encyclopedia

About UIA