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Abstract

Objective

Adolescents’ exposure to racism in online contexts is related to adverse outcomes, including poor mental health. This study aims to expand existing research by examining the unique relation between adolescents’ online exposure to race-based violence and substance use, beyond experiences of racism in offline contexts, and by exploring racial differences.

Method

Data are from an observational study of 834 students (42% Black, 52% female) from four high schools (grades 9 through 12) in one county in the southeastern United States. Youth reported their frequency of exposure to online race-based violence, offline racial discrimination, and past 30-day use of cigarettes, cannabis, vaping, and getting drunk. They also completed measures of caring adult relationships and neighborhood cohesion.

Results

Most participants (92%) reported at least one exposure to online race-based violence in the past year. Racism experienced in online and offline contexts was positively associated with substance use. Controlling for demographics and exposure to offline racism, online exposure to racism was associated with greater likelihood of getting drunk and using cannabis (ORs = 1.24, 1.34, 95% CIs [1.03, 1.51], [1.10, 1.62]), but not using cigarettes and vaping. Community factors were associated with lower substance use but were not protective.

Conclusion

Adolescents’ online exposure to race-based violence may be a unique risk factor for substance use, beyond their in-person exposure to racism. With youths’ easy access to videos of race-based violence in the media, there is a need for research on preventing and mitigating the impacts of exposure to racism in the media.