Can Facebook Detect Warning Signs of Alcoholism?

October 6th, 2011 | Add a Comment

Recently Time posted an article about using social networking as a tool to detect a person’s potential alcohol abuse. Studies concluded that underage college students posting about liquor consumption are more likely to be drinking excessively than those that do not post about alcohol. The data was gathered from 307 students from two different universities. Researchers scanned the Facebook profile’s photo uploads depicting drinking as well as status updates about drinking or being hung-over. These students then filled out a survey to answer questions relating to their alcohol consumption in order to asses if they were at risk for alcohol abuse. A large percentage of students with high abuse risk test scores had posts on their Facebook page relating to alcohol.

While the study could offer new insight to your Facebook friend’s alcohol use, it doesn’t necessarily depict a clear idea of potential alcoholism. There may be friends suffering from a drinking problem that do not post about alcohol. Megan Moreno, who acted as the lead author on the study noted that younger Facebook users may choose to block the information their parents can see on their profile. Moreno suggested parents to have an open discussion with their child if they notice signs of drinking. The study may also help those to determine if a friend or relative is reaching out for help but too afraid to ask.