Appealing characteristics of E-cigarette marketing in the retail environment among adolescents

Background

Nearly 3 million U.S. adolescents use e-cigarettes. E-cigarette marketing is associated with adolescent e-cigarette use; however, studies have not asked adolescents their perceptions about whether and which e-cigarette marketing in retail stores influences purchase and use.

Methods

Eleven 90-minute focus groups with 12-19-year-olds (mean age 15.7, 46.6 % female) from 11 U.S. states (n = 58) recruited through Instagram and schools (May 2021-Aug 2022). Photographs of e-cigarette marketing in and around retail stores were used to aid discussion. Thematic analysis identified themes related to appealing marketing characteristics.

Results

Adolescents indicated that e-cigarette marketing in and around retail stores arouses their curiosity, reminds them to buy, and normalizes using e-cigarettes. Adolescents identified specific e-cigarette marketing characteristics that they believed influence their decision to purchase and use e-cigarettes including the Tobacco Power Wall, free samples and flavor smelling samples, price incentives such as discounts and starter-kits, e-cigarette displays near checkout encouraging grab-and-go, displays near food, snacks or candy, and e-cigarette advertising through posters on store windows and stickers at checkout. Adolescents reported combining online and social media strategies to bypass age verification in retail stores (e.g., buying gift cards online and using them in stores). Adolescents suggested adding warning images on negative health effects of e-cigarettes, increasing prominence of minimum-age-of-tobacco-sale signs, and developing marketing education as counter-marketing strategies.

Conclusions

Adolescents indicate that specific e-cigarette marketing characteristics in retail stores influence their purchase and use decisions. Addressing such e-cigarette marketing exposures in retail stores through counter-marketing messages may bolster adolescent e-cigarette prevention efforts.

Update on "Cell Therapy" Clinics Offering Treatments of Ocular Conditions Using Direct-To-Consumer Marketing Websites in the U.S

PURPOSE

To assess the scope of U.S.-based companies advertising and administering non-Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved cell-based therapy (herein called NFACT) for ocular conditions based on information from companies' public websites after the FDA's legal actions against specific NFACT clinics in 2018 and 2019. Current findings are compared to previously published data from 2017.

DESIGN

Trend study looking at U.S.-based companies that use direct-to-consumer marketing and have websites advertising therapy for ocular conditions.

METHODS

A systematic and extensive keyword-based Internet search was utilized to identify, document, and analyze U.S. business websites offering NFACT for ocular conditions as of August 2022. Main outcomes measured include, clinic locations, marketed ocular conditions, types of NFACT offered, source of stem cells used, routes of administration, and treatment costs.

RESULTS

From the prior analysis in 2017 to the 2019 analysis, there was a decrease in the number of NFACT clinics from 76 to 62 and companies from 40 to 39. Given the concerning persistence of NFACTs in August 2019 an additional analysis was performed in 2022 which showed a drastic decrease in NFACT clinics from 62 in 2019 to 18 in 2023 and from 39 companies to 13 in 2023. In both 2019 and 2022, the most commonly referenced ocular condition was age-related macular degeneration (2019 - 72%, 2022 - 92%). The state with the most clinics was in Texas (2019 - 12; 2022 - 5). Autologous adipose-derived stem cells were the most common cell type used in both analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2019 U.S.-based direct-to-consumer companies marketing NFACT persisted despite (1) a lack of high-quality clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of these procedures, (2) the association of some of these treatments with severe vision loss, and (3) increasing FDA oversight and recent legal action. In 2022 the number of clinics and companies decreased, but their persistence is a reminder that continued concern is necessary and ophthalmic associations need to continue advocacy efforts to protect patients from these potentially predatory organizations.

Cannabis advertising impacts on youth cannabis use intentions following recreational legalization in Canada: An Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) study

OBJECTIVE

In 2018, Canada's Cannabis Act legalized adult recreational cannabis use and limited cannabis product advertising to adults. Cannabis product advertising to youth remains illegal. The extent to which adult-targeted, or illicit youth-targeted cannabis advertisements is reaching and impacting Canadian youth is unknown. We used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to describe how often and how much exposures to cannabis advertising influence Canadian youths' real-world, real-time intentions to use cannabis.

METHODS

120 Ontario, Canada youths ages 14-18, took photos of cannabis advertising that they encountered in their natural environments over a period of nine consecutive days. Following each exposure and twice daily device-issued random prompts, they also rated their intentions to use cannabis.

RESULTS

Many participating youth (n = 85; 70.83 %) reported at least one cannabis advertising exposure during the study (range 1-30, M = 4.02). Exposures occurred through a range of advertising channels (e.g., internet ads, billboards). Multilevel modeling showed that youth advertising exposure increased cannabis use intentions in vivo (β = 0.06,SE = 0.03;t = 1.98;p =.04;n = 1,348).

CONCLUSION

Data from this study shows that cannabis advertisements are regularly reaching Canadian youth and increasing their intentions to use cannabis. This suggests that current Canadian prohibitions on cannabis advertising to youth are ineffective and/or ineffectively enforced, and that the Canadian government needs additional or enhanced prohibitions on cannabis promotion to protect youth from harms associated with increased advertisement exposure, such as increased cannabis use.

Assessment of the quality and accuracy of information contained within the websites of marketed orthodontic products: a cross-sectional investigation

OBJECTIVES

To assess the quality and accuracy of information contained within the websites of providers of marketed orthodontic products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one websites of orthodontic appliance and adjunct (product) providers were identified. The website content was assessed via two validated quality-of-information instruments (DISCERN and the Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA] benchmarks) and an accuracy-of-information instrument. Website content was qualitatively analyzed for themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

More than half (n = 11; 52.3%) of the assessed websites contained clinician testimonials. The mean (SD) DISCERN score was 33.14 (5.44). No website recorded the minimum of three JAMA benchmarks required to indicate reliability. The most common content themes related to quality-of-life impact and treatment duration. Just 8% of the statements within the websites were objectively true. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that the DISCERN scores were correlated with the accuracy-of-information scores (r = .83; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The quality and accuracy of information contained within the websites of the providers of marketed orthodontic products was poor. The combined use of DISCERN and the accuracy-of-information instrument may help overcome the shortcomings of each. Clinicians should check the accuracy of information on orthodontic product provider websites before adding links to those websites on their own sites.

Racial/ethnic disparities in exposure to e-cigarette advertising among U.S. youth

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess exposure to e-cigarette advertising across multiple marketing channels among U.S. youth and to examine whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in exposure to e-cigarette advertisements.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were drawn from a longitudinal survey of participants recruited from two nationally representative panels (NORC's AmeriSpeak® and GfK's KnowledgePanel). A total of 2043 youth aged 13-17 completed the initial 2018 survey, and 2013 youth completed the follow-up survey in 2019 (including a replenishment sample of 690 youth). Outcome variables were self-reported e-cigarette advertisement exposure in the past three months through various sources, such as television, point of sale, and online/social media. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of the association between racial/ethnic identity and e-cigarette advertisement exposure.

RESULTS

The prevalence of reported exposure to e-cigarette advertisements through any channel was 79.8% (95% CI: 77.1-82.2) in 2018 and 74.9% (95% CI: 72.5-77.1) in 2019, respectively. Point of sale was the most common source of e-cigarette advertisement exposure in both years. Non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic Asian youth were more likely to report exposure to e-cigarette advertisements through television (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.44-2.99 and AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.17-3.82, respectively) and online/social media (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.33 and AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.10-3.59, respectively) channels compared with non-Hispanic White youth.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of U.S. youth reported exposure to e-cigarette advertising through a variety of marketing channels. Significant racial/ethnic disparities existed, with non-Hispanic Black and Asian youth reporting more marketing exposure than their non-Hispanic White counterparts.

The impact of "pinkwashed" alcohol advertisements on attitudes and beliefs: A randomized experiment with US adults

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of alcohol advertisements related to breast cancer awareness or charities (i.e., pinkwashed ads) on attitudes and beliefs.

METHODS

In 2023, an online experiment randomized 602 US adults to view three pinkwashed ads for beer, wine, and liquor, or three standard ads for the same products.

RESULTS

Breast cancer risk perceptions (average differential effect [ADE] = 0.03; p = 0.58)) and intentions to purchase the advertised product (ADE = -0.01, p = 0.95) did not differ by ad type. When informed about the link between alcohol and breast cancer, participants who viewed pinkwashed ads reported the ads were more misleading (ADE = 0.51, p < 0.001) and had stronger support for requiring alcohol breast cancer warnings (ADE = 0.23, p < 0.001). The pinkwashed ads for beer (but not for wine or liquor) led to greater: perceived product healthfulness (ADE = 0.16, p = 0.03), perceived social responsibility of the company (ADE = 0.18, p = 0.02), and favorable brand attitudes (ADE = 0.14, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Informing the public about pinkwashing increases perceptions of misleadingness and support for alcohol policies.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Exposing the industry practice of pinkwashing could be a promising theme for campaigns to reduce alcohol consumption and increase support for alcohol policies.

Nutritional quality and level of processing of food items broadcasted on Italian television in advertisements targeted to children

This study evaluates the nutritional quality and level of processing of food and beverage products advertised on television channels most watched by children, in Italy. Data were collected over 20 non-consecutive days from the five top channels in Italy. A total of 209 food items were analysed using the Nutri-Score and the NOVA classification. Additionally, compliance with nutritional criteria established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the EU-PLEDGE was assessed. Results indicate a high proportion of energy-dense and low nutritional quality foods, with 68% falling into less favourable Nutri-Score categories (C, D, and E), and 61% classified as ultra-processed by NOVA classification. When applying WHO and PLEDGE criteria, 71% and 56% of products, respectively, did not meet nutritional standards. This study underscores the low prevalence of nutritionally adequate products in food advertisements targeting children on Italian television, despite differences found based on methodological variations.

The Relevance of Marketing in Sports Betting Perceptions and Behaviors Across Different age Groups

Sports betting and its associated problems are increasing rapidly. Moreover, it has been widely advertised and marketed, successfully reaching young adult males. This work aims to review recent publications regarding the relationship between marketing and sports betting perceptions and behaviors across different ages. For this purpose, a search in the PubMed database was set for 5 years (November 2014 - November 2019). The search terms included: "Sports betting AND children", "Sports betting AND young adult", "Sports betting AND adult". The search generated 131 articles, including some duplications. Once duplicates were eliminated, the titles and abstract analysis led to 21 references. To this, four more recent references were added to complement the introduction and discussion sections. The total number of references is 25. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) human study, (b) quantitative, experimental, clinical study, or review, (c) emphasis on the relationship between marketing and sports betting perceptions and behaviors, (d) specified number of subjects, (e) male or female gender, and (f) written in English (title and abstract). The findings indicated that: (1) marketing plays a significant role in normalizing gambling in sports, (2) policymakers should consider comprehensive approaches to reduce the exposure of sports betting advertising to young individuals, and (3) future studies should explore potential differences in results based on gender and developmental stage. For instance, sports betting is more prevalent among males than females, and younger children tend to be more impulsive than older children.

Young adult peer crowds, e-cigarette advertising exposure, and e-cigarette use: Test of a mediation model

BACKGROUND

Young people often make lifestyle choices or engage in behaviors, including tobacco product use, based on the norms of peer crowds they affiliate with. Peer crowds are defined as reputation-based peer groups centered around lifestyle norms (e.g., Hipster, Surfer, Hip Hop). This study examined the effects of peer crowd affiliation on e-cigarette use via increased exposure to e-cigarette advertising and increased social network e-cigarette use.

METHOD

Data were collected from 1398 ethnically diverse young adults (Mean age = 22.3; SD = 3.2; 62% women) in six-month intervals over one year. Path analyses were used to test a mediation model in which advertising exposure and social network e-cigarette use at six-month follow-up were specified to mediate the effects of baseline peer crowd affiliation on current e-cigarette use at one-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Affiliations with Popular-Social and Alternative peer crowds at baseline were associated with higher e-cigarette advertising exposure at six-month follow-up. Affiliation with Popular-Social peer crowd at baseline was associated with increased social network e-cigarette use at six-month follow-up. Affiliation with Popular-Social peer crowds at baseline was found to have a statistically significant indirect effect on increased e-cigarette use at one-year follow-up via increased e-cigarette advertising exposure at six-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Better understanding Popular-Social peer crowds may be highly relevant for development of tailored media and other interventions for e-cigarette use prevention among young adults.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of recruitment strategies in a large diabetes prevention trial conducted across two sites in Sydney, Australia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes prevention trials require large samples and community-based recruitment, which can be protracted and expensive. We analysed the cost-effectiveness of recruitment strategies used in a randomised placebo-controlled supplement trial in adults with prediabetes and overweight or obesity conducted in Sydney, Australia.

METHODS

Recruitment strategies included advertising through local radio stations and newspapers, television news coverage, online advertising and editorials, advertising in and referral from primary care settings, university- and hospital-based advertising, and attending or hosting local events. For each strategy, the number of expressions of interest, screenings booked, and randomised participants were collated. The percentage contribution from each strategy, overall cost, and cost per participant were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 4498 expressions of interest, 551 (12%) were eligible for onsite screening and 401 (9%) were randomised. Recruitment costs totalled AU$218,501, averaging AU$545 per participant. The recruitment strategy was recorded for 49% who expressed interest in the trial, and for 75% randomised into the trial. From these data, advertising on local radio stations was the most cost-effective strategy, contributing 46% of participants at AU$286 per participant, then advertising in and referral from primary care settings (57 participants [19%], AU$1438 per participant). The least cost-effective strategy was television news coverage, which was not targeted to the Sydney-based audience, contributing only six participants (AU$10,000 per participant).

CONCLUSION

Radio advertising and recruitment through healthcare were the most effective recruitment strategies in this trial. Recruitment strategies should be location-specific and appropriate for the target population, prioritising low-effort high-yield strategies. Trial investigators should seek opportunities for free advertising.

Qualitative Assessment of Vulvovaginal Health Information on Social Media

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Adolescents and young adults use vulvovaginal hygiene practices, products, and treatments. Access to social media platforms allows health information, including gynecologic care, to be easily disseminated and more accessible. Our objective was to characterize and assess vulvovaginal health information available on a popular video-sharing social media platform.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional analysis study, search terms related to vulvovaginal health were included to assess the top videos appearing on June 15, 2022. Descriptive statistics, uploader demographic characteristics, and content characteristics were recorded for each video. Information quality was evaluated using the DISCERN instrument.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-four videos met the study criteria with a combined total of over 500 million views, over 1.5 million shares, and nearly 60 million likes. Over 90% of videos consisted of educational content or product advertisements, and nearly 70% of videos provided information on general vulvovaginal hygiene and health. Seventy-five percent of videos were uploaded by private companies and nonmedical individuals. The mean DISCERN score was 1.6 out of 5. Medical providers scored significantly better than other uploaders on 12 of 16 DISCERN items, and mean overall publication quality scores were significantly higher for videos created by medical providers than nonmedical individuals and private companies (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Social media platforms are a popular medium for vulvovaginal health information, accumulating over half a billion views within a short timeframe. Although medical providers had fewer shortcomings in their videos, the overall quality of health information shared was low, with serious or extensive shortcomings.

Analysis of social media compliance with cannabis advertising regulations: evidence from recreational dispensaries in Illinois 1-year post-legalization

BACKGROUND

In the USA, an increasing number of states have legalized commercial recreational cannabis markets, allowing a private industry to sell cannabis to those 21 and older at retail locations known as dispensaries. Research on tobacco and alcohol suggests this new industry will use aggressive marketing tactics to attract new users and promote greater intensity of use. Of concern is that cannabis company advertising campaigns may be appealing to youth, promote false or misleading health claims, and disproportionately target low-income and minority communities. In this study, we evaluated recreational cannabis dispensary compliance with advertising regulations on social media in the state of Illinois.

METHODS

Primary data were collected from a census of recreational dispensary Facebook and Twitter business pages during the first year of recreational sales in 2020. A quantitative content analysis was conducted to systematically analyze the data; a codebook that detailed a protocol for classifying posts was developed prior to the analysis using advertising regulations outlined in the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Violations of advertising regulations were organized into three categories: advertisements that may be appealing to youth (< 21 years old), advertisements that make health claims, and other advertising violations. The data were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Additionally, differences in compliance were assessed by dispensary and neighborhood characteristics.

RESULTS

The results of the analysis revealed substantial and persistent non-compliance throughout the entire study period. Overall, nearly one third of posts had at least one violation and approximately one in ten posts met the criteria for appealing to youth or contained health claims. The majority of posts with health claims included health claims that were not qualifying conditions for medical cannabis access in the state of Illinois. No differences in compliance by neighborhood and dispensary characteristics were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study suggest that systematic monitoring and enforcement is needed to ensure compliance with advertising regulations.

A comparative analysis of unhealthy food and beverage television advertising to children in Thailand, between 2014 and 2022

BACKGROUND

Food marketing is a key factor that influences children's dietary behaviors. This study assessed the nature and extent of food and beverage advertising on television (TV) in 2014 and 2022 in Thailand.

METHODS

TV was recorded for one week in March 2014 and in May 2022 from 7-9am and 3-7 pm on weekends, and 3-7 pm on weekdays across two channels (64 h recorded each year). The nutrient profile model from Bureau of Nutrition, Ministry of Public Health Thailand was used to classify food and non-alcoholic beverages as: Group A ('healthy'), Group B ('less unhealthy') or Group C ('unhealthy').

RESULTS

In 2014, 475 food advertisements were identified, with on average of 6.3 unhealthy food advertisements per hour. In 2022, 659 food advertisements were identified, with an average of 9.2 unhealthy food advertisement per hour. In both time periods, the most frequently advertised food products were non-alcoholic beverages. The rate of unhealthy food advertising per hour of broadcast was significantly higher than for other moderately unhealthy and healthy foods, and was also significantly higher in 2022 than in 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

Food and beverage advertising on Thai television is predominantly promotes unhealthy foods and, in particular, sugar-sweetened beverages. Therefore, Thai Government should enact new legislation to protect children from food TV ads in order to control both the frequency and nature of unhealthy TV food marketing to protect the health of Thai children.

Experimental research on non-idealized models: A systematic literature review

Current literature on non-idealized models seems to offer mixed evidence on whether such models generate a positive body image and increase advertising effectiveness. To closely investigate this claim, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the empirical findings on the effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes among men and women. To contextualize these results, we also synthesized (1) the conceptualization of a non-idealized body size (i.e., labelling and operationalization), (2) the message accompanying the model (i.e., medium type and marketing intent), and (3) individual traits of participants tested as potential moderators. Three databases in different disciplines (i.e., ProQuest Psychology, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and Web of Science) were searched, and 86 unique studies were included in the review. While most studies found positive or null effects of non-idealized models on body image, well-being, and advertising outcomes, a small number of studies obtained negative results. These inconsistent findings could be explained by the large variety of labels and unclear operationalizations identified within our review. The conclusions of this review call for a clearer definition and measurement of non-idealized models.

Have yourself a 'merry' little Christmas: Alcohol adverts and alcohol content within adverts in the run-up to Christmas

Exposure to alcohol adverts or other audio-visual content (AVC) in the media is associated with alcohol initiation and subsequent use by adolescents and adults, especially those with or at risk of an alcohol use disorder. The Christmas period is characterised by increased alcohol consumption and there may be an increase in alcohol advertisements during this period. The current study explored the number of alcohol advertisements shown on UK television in a sample of days in the run-up to Christmas 2022 and found that alcohol advertisements were commonly shown but alcohol was also seen in advertisements for other things such as supermarkets. The amount of alcohol shown is likely to encourage drinking and make Christmas a difficult time for people with alcohol use disorders or who are in recovery.

Is laughter the best marketing? Why this is the wrong question

Humor is often described as a miracle pill for marketers, yet the effects of humor on advertising, content marketing, service, and other marketing functions are wildly inconsistent. Before scholars can know whether a pun, prank, meme, or laugh will attract sales, clicks, or five-star reviews, they need to understand why the effects of humor appear to vary. Humor has different effects because scholars have treated humor as different constructs while studying how it influences different marketing outcomes with different types of stimuli in different of situations on different types of people. Only by recognizing these differences can scholars begin to understand when, why, and how humor can benefit marketers. To navigate this complexity, researchers need to develop a theory of humor that can help explain how different attempts to be humorous influence different consumers in different situations.

Flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems ads (2019-2020) on traditional U.S. Media by audience demographics

The tobacco industry has historically targeted flavored products to specific U.S. consumer segments, including young people, women, and systemically marginalized groups based on race, ethnicity, or sexual/gender identity. Existing research on target marketing is focused on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. In contrast, studies of target marketing of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)-a growing segment of the U.S. tobacco product market - are much more limited. We analyzed data on 496 ENDS ads and audience demographics to explore the extent to which flavored ENDS ads on cable television (n = 25 ads), terrestrial radio (n = 412 ads), and in print consumer magazines (n = 59 ads) are targeted to different demographic groups based on age, sex, and race/ethnicity. We observed flavor-related content in one-quarter to one-third of ENDS ad occurrences during 2019-2020. Across all media outlets examined, audience age was an important factor in explaining the likelihood of ENDS ads containing flavor-related content. For example, within a television channel, there were 3.82 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39-10.49] times greater odds that an ENDS ad contained flavor-related content versus not for every 1% increase in the proportion of U.S. youth ages 6-17 watching a television show. In addition, there were 2.13 [95 %CI: 1.30-3.51] and 1.61 [95 %CI:1.60-1.63] times greater odds that an ENDS ad contained flavor-related content versus not in cable television and radio stations, respectively, for every 1% increase in the proportion of male audience members. Race/ethnicity was an important explanatory factor for the presence of flavor-related content on radio but not television ENDS ads. Our findings suggest differences in target marketing of flavored ENDS by media outlet and audience demographics.

Within-store fast food marketing: The association between food swamps and unhealthy advertisement

Previous studies have linked food consumption outside the home and fast food to poor diet quality and living within a food swamp to an increased likelihood of obesity. A growing amount of research has linked food marketing to food choice. Still, limited information is available on how this dynamic may work within fast food establishments and if the marketing strategies used may vary by neighborhood food swamp status. Utilizing the Environment Assessment (EAT) Tool, we examined the within-store marketing environment of fast food restaurants to understand the factors potentially influencing food choice. A cross-sectional study design surveyed fast food outlets (n = 170) for unhealthy advertisements. Each fast-food outlet was assigned an FSI score based on its geographic location and proximity to unhealthy outlets. Outlets were assessed for associations between food swamp status and unhealthy advertisements. Poisson Regression was performed to assess the relationship between unhealthy advertisements and FSI score. Low FSI had a mean unhealthy advertisement score of 36.79 (11.06). Moderate and High FSI had mean unhealthy advertisement scores of 33.03 (14.67) and 31.71 (12.63), respectively. The number of unhealthy advertisements did not differ by food swamp categories (Moderate FSI IRR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.74-1.09; High FSI IRR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73-1.01 vs. low FSI). Differences in marketing environments by food swamp status were not observed. Future research should examine other factors of the food swamp environment and additional factors such as television or social media to understand its association with food choice.

"There must be something good": Fair balance and ad appeal of marijuana brands' website

Ever since medical and nonmedical marijuana became legal in parts of the United States in 2012, scholars have cited concerns regarding marijuana advertising's impact on adolescents. The current study aimed to explore how online marijuana websites are utilizing their advertising strategies amid the lack of centralized regulation by qualitatively analyzing 141 websites of marijuana brands in the United States. We found that the common themes they employed were high, professionalism, natural, and adventurous. There was no fair balance between benefit and risk information because most of the brands did not communicate the risk. The use of animated characters was found, along with other appeals that could potentially influence underage users. Areas of concern that need imminent attention from the regulatory body are discussed.

Expenditure on Paid-for Gambling Advertising During the National COVID-19 'Lockdowns': An Observational Study of Media Monitoring Data from the United Kingdom

Changes in gambling advertising during national COVID-19 'lockdowns', when stay-at-home rules restricted participation in certain gambling activities, provides important context to variance in gambling behaviour during these periods. This study describes expenditure on paid-for gambling advertising during three national lockdowns, compares expenditure to pre-pandemic estimates, and compares changes in expenditure by subsector. Data come from an observational study of weekly expenditure on paid-for gambling advertising in the United Kingdom (n = 135 weeks; beginning 2019 to mid-2021), focusing on three COVID-19 lockdowns: (1) March-May 2020; (2) November-December 2020; and (3) January-March 2021. We descriptively analysed how total advertising expenditure in each lockdown (£GBP, inflation-adjusted) compared to the same time points in 2019, both overall and by subsector (bookmakers, lotteries, online bingo, online casino and poker, gaming, pools, mobile content). Gambling advertising expenditure during lockdown one was 38.5% lower than 2019 (£43.5 million[m] vs. £70.7 m, respectively), with decreases across all subsectors (range: -81.7% [bookmakers] to -2.8% [online bingo]). Total advertising expenditure in lockdown two was 49.3% higher than 2019 (£51.7 m vs. £34.6 m), with increases for 5/7 subsectors (range: -31.6% [mobile content] to + 103.8% [bookmakers]). In lockdown three, advertising expenditure was 5.9% higher than 2019 (£91.2 m vs. £86.1 m), with increases for 4/7 subsectors (range: -92.4% [pools] to + 49.2% [mobile content]). Reductions in advertising expenditure in lockdown one are congruent with self-reported reductions in overall gambling also observed during this period. Further research is needed to determine whether increased advertising expenditure in lockdowns two and three correlates with increased gambling, overall and for specific subsectors.

How do Gambling Providers Use the Social Network Twitter in Germany? An Explorative Mixed-Methods Topic Modeling Approach

This study examines the social media activities of gambling providers in Germany, focusing on the platform Twitter. A collection of 34.151 tweets from 13 Twitter accounts was made, representing casinos, sports betting, state lotteries, social lotteries and lottery brokers. We apply an explorative mixed-methods approach, integrating a summative content analysis together with a semi-supervised guided topic modeling approach, to analyse frequency, number of followers, interaction and content of Twitter messages, and work out differences among the individual providers. The results show that Twitter does not seem to be particularly important for gambling providers who are active in Germany. Regarding outreach, frequency of tweets and interaction, Twitter plays a much smaller role than, for example, in the UK. The potential for Twitter to be an advertising, marketing and interaction channel has not yet been fully exploited, which would make it a perfect moment for developing an appropriate regulatory framework. Overall, the results of semi-supervised topic modeling show that providers most often use informative content (news) and combine it with other, usually less neutral content. It is alarming that many providers make little or no use of Responsible Gambling messages. Even though the activities are presently on a low level, they contribute to the normalization of gambling, setting incentives for increasing gambling participation. Children and youth form a large segment of Twitter users. Potential harm can arise especially for this group because of the lack of enforcement of any age limit.

Is it ethical to advertise unhealthy foods to children?

The marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages (hereafter: food) high in fats, salt and/or sugar (HFSS) has been strongly implicated in the rising levels of childhood obesity worldwide. Multiple ethical concerns arise from the practice of exposing children to such marketing and efforts to monitor and restrict it through regulatory policies. There is considerable evidence that exposure to powerful food marketing messages affects children's food behaviours in ways that are detrimental to good dietary health. Children are particularly vulnerable to being exploited and deceived by food marketing messages based on their cognitive and developmental immaturity. HFSS food marketing also affects numerous child rights enshrined within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (of which the UK is a signatory) including the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. The debate has become somewhat polarised between the public health community's evidence-based assertion that all marketing is inherently exploitative and the rebuttal from food and marketing industry stakeholders that provided the marketing is 'accurate and truthful' and there is no ethical need to regulate. This polarisation is reflected in the complexity of policymaking decisions regarding the rationale for mandatory government-led policies or industry self-regulation. There are also ethical considerations inherent in the monitoring of children's food marketing exposure, particularly in the digital sphere, by researchers for the purposes of informing policy design, scope and implementation. This review paper will explore the latest evidence on these issues and consider the implications for public health research, policy, and practice.

Different ways… same message? Road safety-targeted communication strategies in Spain over 62 years (1960-2021)

Among the most generalised preventive measures against traffic crashes, advertisements and broadcast campaigns in the media have stood out over the last six decades. The core aim of this paper is to describe the evolution of the subject matter and typology of road safety-related advertisements used in Spain during 62 years (1960-2021). Thus, this paper assesses their role in reducing road fatalities, while keeping in mind the potential effect of the many other road safety-related preventive measures carried out in the country during this period. The results of this study allow us to target five key time periods, all of them with clear particular communication strategies to be differentiated, using specific types of advertisements and informative, persuasive, emotional, and humorous techniques (among others) to reach the audience. Additionally, some key practical implications and guidelines are provided.

'Come and get a taste of normal': Advertising, consumerism and the Coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present unique challenges to governments and organisations around the world, but one sector has incorporated COVID-19 into its core mission with relative ease: advertisers have acknowledged the pandemic while continuing to draw on notions of 'normality' to activate our desire to consume. As the UK's series of lockdowns have come to an end, we look back over more than a year of unusual advertising and consider how the pandemic has changed approaches to marketing and the shape of consumer culture in ways connected to ideas about what constitutes 'normal' life. Discussions of the relationship between the pandemic and consumerism have included critiques of the prioritising of profit over people, and conceptualisations of Coronavirus as a brand itself, but the politics of notions of 'normality' promoted by consumer culture demand closer consideration. This article complements existing studies and debates by examining the tensions, contradictions and morally neutral positions revealed by the advertising response to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Through an analysis of UK advertising campaigns launched during and with reference to the pandemic, this work explores key themes and strategies, including their connection to power dynamics concerning race, gender, class and capitalism. We suggest advertising during crises may offer the opportunity to critique larger dynamics and trends of consumerism, including narrow notions of the defining features of 'everyday' life.

Exposure to alcohol advertising and alcohol consumption among children and early teenagers in South Africa

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information on alcohol adverts on alcohol consumption among early teenagers. The study aimed to examine the association between exposure to alcohol adverts and alcohol consumption.

METHODS

A sample of 3833 early teenagers aged 12-14 years were extracted from the South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM) 2017. Participants answered questions related to their exposure to alcohol adverts across television, Poster/billboard, events, and social media. Alcohol consumption was assessed on ever consumed alcohol and in the previous 12 months. Information on demographic characteristics was collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to process the data.

RESULT

Exposure to alcohol adverts increases from 5.2% for Events to 77.0% on television. All alcohol media of adverts were associated with alcohol consumption by age. The results mirror studies that demonstrated that exposure to alcohol advertisements was associated with alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

The association between alcohol consumption, exposure to alcohol adverts, and demographic characteristics need the urgent attention of policymakers and interventionists. The focus of action should be on protecting these early teenagers from exposure to media of adverts and risk background factors.