The Evolution of Substance Use Coverage in the Philadelphia Inquirer

TL;DR

This study analyzes a decade of Philadelphia Inquirer articles to examine how media coverage of illicit substance use has evolved, revealing trends in drug portrayal and emphasizing the need for accurate representations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of media discourse on substance use over ten years, highlighting shifts in drug portrayal and their implications for public perception.

Findings

Cannabis and narcotics are most frequently discussed.

Hallucinogenic drugs are portrayed more positively.

Narcotics are portrayed most negatively.

Abstract

The media's representation of illicit substance use can lead to harmful stereotypes and stigmatization for individuals struggling with addiction, ultimately influencing public perception, policy, and public health outcomes. To explore how the discourse and coverage of illicit drug use changed over time, this study analyzes 157,476 articles published in the Philadelphia Inquirer over a decade. Specifically, the study focuses on articles that mentioned at least one commonly abused substance, resulting in a sample of 3,903 articles. Our analysis shows that cannabis and narcotics are the most frequently discussed classes of drugs. Hallucinogenic drugs are portrayed more positively than other categories, whereas narcotics are portrayed the most negatively. Our research aims to highlight the need for accurate and inclusive portrayals of substance use and addiction in the media.