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I think that media portrays drugs in various ways, some show them ass horrible, some show the as great. Nonetheless, each portrayal is extreme. For me I feel drugs are highly glorified in today's society. The first thing to come tome mid to me is in music, like Rap. Drugs go hand and hand in this type of music, and some of the drugs they talk about make it seem like it is just like alcohol or weed or other common "Socially acceptable" drugs. The drugs that comes to mind to me is codeine. They talk about drinking codeine a lot, and make it seem like a "cool" or "fun" thing to do. However codeine is a schedule 4 substance, and is an opioid, much weaker then fentanyl and Heroin which the media portrays negatively, but in the same family with almost the exact same effects during the high. So this type of portal is very harmful to the general population of the US and to impressionable groups of people. However, sense the media is so powerful, more accurate representations can be used to show the true reality of drugs. With codeine media can inform the public that it is not a party drink, not regular cough syrup but an opiate that is in the same family of more notorious and scarier drugs to the public. If people were to get accurate information from the media, glorification of these drugs wouldn't be so powerful, therefore balancing out the perspectives on drug use.

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Media portrayals of drugs have greatly influenced public perception and policy, often shaping how people view drug use. Movies, TV shows, and news stories typically focus on the negative aspects, such as addiction, crime, and destruction, which can lead to harsher drug laws and a more fearful public. However, some media portrayals show drug use in a more casual light, which can make it seem less harmful. To promote a more balanced perspective, the media should include a variety of stories that discuss both the dangers and the reasons behind drug use. This could involve featuring expert opinions on the medical and social effects of drugs, as well as success stories of recovery. By presenting a well rounded view, the media can help create policies that focus on education, treatment, and support rather than just punishment.

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Public opinion and policy have been greatly influenced by media representations of drugs, which frequently highlight drama and fear. The media has fueled stigma by portraying drug users as reckless or dangerous, swaying public opinion and promoting harsh laws. This focus on criminalization has typically obscured the social and medical aspects that lead to substance dependence. More lately, there has been a move toward harm reduction tactics and treatment-focused legislation as media coverage has started to present addiction as a public health concern.

The media may be extremely helpful in advancing education, empathy, and evidence-based practices in order to create well-informed and balanced views on drug usage. Reducing discrimination and humanizing people with substance use disorders can be achieved by showcasing personal recovery experiences. Working together with addiction and medical professionals can help debunk myths by ensuring that the public is given factual information. Furthermore, policies that prioritize prevention and treatment over punishment can be supported by media campaigns that highlight harm reduction tactics like naloxone distribution and safe consumption locations. By adopting these tactics, the media may more effectively influence public opinion and promote compassionate and scientifically based policies.

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Medias portrayal of drugs definitely influences public percepts and policy which influences how they view drug use. When medias focus on negative aspects of addiction, viewers associate drug use with that. Viewers then have a scewed perception of drug use as they are only seeing the bad. On the other hand, medias can portray drugs in a brighter light that shows them as casual which also sways viewers perception. To create a informed and balanced perspective of drugs, the media should include a spectrum of drug use, including the challenges, reasons for use, potential harms, prevalence, and available support systems. More information could be shared that focuses on education and treatment as well so that everybody knows that there is help available.

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Media representations of drugs have played a crucial role in shaping public understanding and influencing policy decisions. These portrayals often oscillate between fear-driven narratives that advocate for criminalization and glamorized images that normalize drug use. Historical examples include the sensationalism of the "Reefer Madness" campaign, as well as the racialized narratives surrounding the crack epidemic, both of which have contributed to the implementation of stringent drug laws.

Conversely, various forms of media, including entertainment, have sometimes romanticized drug culture, complicating public perception. In recent years, however, there has been a noticeable shift with investigative journalism and documentaries that focus on harm reduction strategies; these efforts have begun to drive changes in drug policy.

To promote a more informed public perspective, it is essential for the media to emphasize evidence-based reporting. This includes humanizing addiction through personal narratives, utilizing social media as a tool for education, and collaborating with health experts to ensure that portrayals of drug use are balanced and accurate.

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The way the media portrays drugs can forcefully influence the public perception of drugs. I feel like people with addictive personalities could struggle and be tempted by the way drugs are commercialized or glamorized in films. Something about the way drugs are such a common occurrence across different media platforms might be triggering for people. I think the media can foster an informed perspective and helpful information on drug use that is beneficial for the people consuming it. I think they can do this in commercials or movies, showing safer ways to use the specific drug and more information about what the drug does to your body. I also think it is a great idea to broadcast more local resources for addiction and misuse recovery on ads so that it can reach the people in need of help.

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Media portrayal of drugs has a definite influence on how the public perceives it, typically aiming elicit fear into its audience. However, I do think that in some instances the media can do the opposite of what it intends and almost make drugs seem desirable especially on younger groups. Movies and shows for example have increasingly made doing drugs feel "cool" and by doing this they are shifting the public perception of drugs from what was once scary to something "everyone does". I think that with an increasingly online generation media coverage on the dangers of drugs and the harsh reality of using them should be covered way more. The media should focus on educating the people, and helping those who have been affected by drugs.

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In today's world, media—especially social media—plays a significant role in shaping public perception and information consumption. The average American primarily gets their news through television and social media platforms, which can contribute to misinformation and bias.

When it comes to drugs, there is a widespread belief that all drugs are inherently bad, and the term "drug" often carries a negative connotation. This perception is largely driven by efforts to highlight the dangers of "hardcore drugs" and their consequences. Social media tends to focus on addiction and the negative aspects of drug use, reinforcing fear rather than fostering understanding.

To counter this, media outlets can take a more balanced approach by promoting informative and nuanced discussions. Instead of focusing solely on punitive messages—such as "if you use this, you’ll go to jail"—they can provide accurate, unbiased reports on drug use, treatment options, and prevalence. By doing so, news and social media platforms can contribute to a more informed public discourse on the complexities of drug-related issues.

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I believe that media has a huge impact on how society views drug use and shapes public policy. Often times we see media coverage emphasizing extreme cases, like overdoses or crime, which can stigmatize drug users and lead to a "tough on crime" approach rather than focusing on treatment. Movies and TV shows also tend to exaggerate drug use, making it seem more dangerous or chaotic than it actually is, which leads to misunderstanding and reinforces harmful stereotypes.

However, the media can also play a positive role. By focusing on evidence-based information and expert opinions, media can help the public understand the real complexities of drug use and addiction. When listening to and sharing stories of recovery and rehabilitation it can humanize people struggling with addiction and show that recovery is possible. Media can also promote harm reduction strategies, like needle exchanges or supervised consumption spaces, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize public health over criminalization.

Essentially, while the media often influences how we think about drugs in a negative way, it also has the power to shift the conversation toward more balanced, informed perspectives that can lead to better policies and public understanding.

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I think media portrayals especially in movies or news has a profound impact on public perception which directly affects public policy. Immediately I think of the war on drugs which became extremely popular in news coverage causing panic among U.S. citizens. As a result harsh sentences and high levels of incarceration for cocaine related crimes were mandatory and common. More recently media portrayals of marajuana have become more reasonable, shifting from a very extreme disapproval to now acknowledging social justice concerns and possible medical benefits.

Initially I believe media can foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use by highlighting less extreme anecdotal evidence and using more empirical evidence gathered by professionals. Educational campaigns can use interractive social media like discussion groups to help counter miss information, provide advice, and highlight personal recovery stories. In doing so I believe media can help viewers move away from extreme fear based responses to drug use issues to more evidence based compassionate views and policies.

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From my exposure to social media and the portrayal of drugs, there are two different sides to the story. On one hand, there are songs and movies which show drugs in a light and "fun" fashion where people are constant smoking, doing cocaine, lean, etc. But with that being said, these forms of drug portrayal rarely show the negatives that come with the consumption as well. The media platforms that seem to praise drugs and how fun they are, rarely show the next morning or the negative effects that it has on your body in the long run. While on the other hand, you then have extremely harsh narratives of people that struggle with substance abuse and addiction. These harsh narratives typically show someone that is unpredictable, unreliable, violent, and creates a sense of "that couldn't be me" when observing these stories or shows. Neither of these types of media coverage are doing much regarding targeting the overarching problem of substance abuse, which is understanding those who struggle with it. It is not said enough, but anyone can struggle with substance abuse, it is not something that a certain group of people deal with, rather it is something that you may not even know is happening in your own life until it is too late. From my understanding, the best way to alter the public's view on substance abuse and addiction while also assisting those who do need help, is understanding that just because someone is an addict, it does not make them any less of a person or any less important than the person they were before hand. They are struggling with an extremely hard "disease" that is impossible to truly understand unless you have fought that battle first hand. There needs to be more stories that cover both sides of the problem, more exposure to how the progression of addiction actually occurs and what the end truly looks like. A larger push for stories and media coverage that demonstrates the entire story such as someone's introduction to drugs, when they realized they needed help, how they actually got help, and their recovery process. I am sure that there is probably a handful of movies out there that go through this process in some regard, but I have never actually heard of one or seen one myself which that in itself is a problem. Substance abuse is a huge problem and with educating the public on the problem from start to finish, it will bring much more awareness and provide people insight into signs of substance abuse and how to help someone that is dealing with addiction.

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Media has greatly influenced the way drugs are perceived by the public eye. Media, such as movies and tv shows, have both dramatized and glamorized drugs, which has had to both more outrage from the older generation of people and more drug use from the younger generation. There are a lot of negative aspects that the media focuses on, such as addiction and the opium epidemic. While it is important for the media to spread the word of drug addiction and how harmful it can be, it is also important to not dehumanize people who are already addicted to drugs, as this can cause isolation of drug users, which increases the likelihood of death from overdose.

The media can also foster a much better image of drug abuse and addiction by showcasing more stories of overcoming the abuse and addiction. The media can also provide more sympathy to users of drugs, as recently it has become a trend within social media to "poke fun" at users who are clearly heavily effected by some type of drug, such as fentanyl. This has become a very common trend, and while it is useful in showcasing a person's drug abuse, it is not helpful in creating a positive public eye for drug abuse, as it turns it into something to make fun of.

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Media has a very large affect on how the public perceives drugs, thats where many people get their information about what is currently happening around the world related to drugs. Whatever people are most concerned with is more likely to pop up more often in media coverage. The media will make it clear to the government what they need to prioritize, what the people think is the most important to address. The government will need to criminalize whatever the media and public consider to be an issue that is significant enough to need a lot of media attention and effects the most lives.

When it comes to information put on media, its very important what younger audiences learn on social media. Many kids who might start experimenting with drugs don't sit and watch the news on the tv, they watch shorter clips of important information that has been put on other media platforms such as instagram and tik tok. Due to freedom of media it's hard to filter the information that is easily accessible to the younger audience, but there can be more educational information on the harmful effects of drugs put on their devices through sponsored videos that show more than once on their devices or informational news outlets being watched in there schools.

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How drugs are shown in the media has shaped both public opinion and drug policies. In the past, news and entertainment often focused on fear rather than facts, which led to strict laws. For example, during the 1980s, crack cocaine was portrayed as a crisis tied to crime, leading to tough drug sentences that disproportionately affected Black communities. Likewise, in the 1930s, anti-marijuana campaigns like Reefer Madness spread fear and played a role in making cannabis illegal.

At the same time, media has also helped shift public attitudes toward addiction. More recently, coverage of the opioid crisis has drawn attention to the role of pharmaceutical companies and the need for treatment rather than punishment. Documentaries like The Pharmacist and movies like Beautiful Boy tell personal stories that encourage policies focused on support and recovery instead of just punishment.

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I believe that media portrayals of substance use has influenced policy and perception. In terms of perception, the media glamorizes substance abuse in many ways. We see it in movies and tv show and hear it in music. Thankfully, many media avenues are also showing the reality of substance abuse such as addiction, crime, and even death. Media has a strong influence on society when it comes to substance use and perhaps the way it is portrayed needs to be changed. It is not all fun. The dark side of substance use exists as well. Policy has also been developed. There are now many laws in place which is aimed at decreases substance use, such as DUI laws, purchasing and consumption ages, laws for selling and distributing illegal substances and many more. There are also newer policies that aim towards harm-reduction and education as well.

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Media portrayals of drugs have had a heavy influence on public policy and perception. On television and in many movies drugs and alcohol are often glamorized or normalized. Especially regarding settings such as parties, this depiction can create bad examples to those that are teenagers and young adults. This glamorization is unrealistic and often skips the reality of abuse and addiction that comes with the misuse of such drugs. It is important that the media includes more realistic scenarios or depicts what addiction may look like to bring awareness to those that are watching and are unaware of the reality of drug use.

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I think that the media does have a huge impact on drug use and influence. In more of the older movies, drugs were viewed as dangerous and scary like in Pulp Fiction. But other shows and movies also showed a more "fun" side to drug use like the movie "Half Baked". There are so many places to research online about drugs and their possible outcome by using. Documentaries, social media, interviews, and shows like Euphoria. I feel as if the media didn't glamorize drug usage as much, the world would have a better more clear understanding.

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I feel like media portrayals of drugs do have a large impact as to what people believe about the substances. From music, to television, to advertisments, different depictions of the substances as something to be feared and/or desired have gone a long way in shaping public perception. Beginning with music, substance and drug use makes its way across many different genres of music. From rap, to country, to pop, drinking to relieve pain or smoking to have a good time has become increasingly normalized and pushed to younger generations and ages. In television, usage of substances has been depicted and encouraged to be normal for years to the point that it is now seen as regular. Additionally, the age at which characters participate in these activities has been lowered on TV to ages that are not only illegal but increasingly unsafe for people to participate in. This desensitizes people to the danger and risk associated with using these substances in a way they are not encouraged to be used. Lastly, advertisments for substances and substance use on media and all over our cities increases the rate at which people of all ages see the substance use and normalizes the use of substances that can be used in a dangerous way.

I feel like if the media talked about the negative effects of substance use in the way they talk about the "positive effects" people could make a more informed and less biased choice as to if they really want to participate in using. Right now, I feel like the message being pushed is that substances solve a lot of people's problems.

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I believe the media has overall had a huge impact on the drug industry as whole. You can not turn on a television without seeing a commercial for Vraylar, XOLAIR, Ozempic, etc. There is a huge amount of drugs out there all with their own benefits and side effects. They can strongly help with health issues for a consumer. Another side though is with movies and tv shows. Most teen/young adult movies and tv shows have heavy themes on drug and alcohol use. At least on episodes show characters using substances then leading to them realizing it is wrong and they need to not partake in it anymore. While yes this sends a good message, most young audiences don't take it that serious or think too much on it. Allowing more movies and shows to have the theme of drugs and substances creates this feel well if a character I like is doing it, it could be "fun" to try. This allowing a gateway into addiction. Finally, with just news outlets. Whether that be news channel, radio, or news article, The media always is covering the new outbreak drug/substance. highlighting it's negative sides as well. This allowing the population to panic and be fearful of new medicines, drugs, treatment, etc.

The media has an effect on the society as a whole, so how can it really just show a problem that has grown into the "society norm." I believe the best start is to just educate on the danger of drug addiction and it's side effects. As well as making the audience alert to side effects different drugs have as a whole. This can overall foster to the public and general and deeper understanding of drugs as a whole. Maybe even allowing abuse and addiction decrease, allowing more recoveries to take place.

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Tejaasri S RLearning activity 1 Discussion 1 

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Tejaasri S RLearning activity 1 Discussion 1 

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" Party drug" concepts are far more common than the medical use of drugs in media. Drug use is often associated with rough college teens , rap artists, or people living below the average socioeconomic status. Media tends to portray the youth who misuse drugs as the expectation of a youth environment; for example, in university, kids who misuse drugs are deemed cooler than those who don't. This creates a sense of peer pressure, and without proper awareness of the consequences of drug misuse, young adults tend to fall into the trap of dependency or addiction. However, there are areas of media that can be helpful to understand the right way to use a drug; for example, information on a newly invented drug to treat a chronic illness can save lives. Nevertheless, these areas are beaten by the algorithm and cannot be reached without the intent of research. There also needs to be far more easily accessible information on awareness of drug use and misuse and its consequences. Studies show trends that say showcasing the adverse effects of drug misuse can prevent addiction in young adults. Therefore, a few changes to the media's algorithm could make sure that people are exposed to a balanced perspective on drugs.

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I think that the media has a huge impact on how drugs are perceived. This influence comes from the news, TV shows, and movies we watch. During my lifetime I would say that I had always known any drug to be harmful to you. I think this has been consistent in the media with the war on drugs. I believe that the war on drugs and how it was shown through the media caused Americans to be anti-drug of any sort. While the media has portrayed most types of drugs as harmful or bad, there has been a recent shift in how cannabis is being viewed. With "weed" being legalized across more states, the media has started to give cannabis a better image thus giving it a better reputation. I believe that the media has a large influence over how drugs are perceived. This can influence public policy as seen in the justice system. Drug-related crime makes up 26% of arrests across the United States. I think this number can be lowered by educating more people about drugs and spreading awareness.

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What media showcases with drug use is glamorized with no consequences or slight use causing many problems. It normalizes the use of it making it look "cool" and make it like everyone uses it. This can cause peer pressure in the real world if someone is the odd man out when it comes to drug activity. A prime example can be marijuana. It has now been widely legalize and it is showcased in media. But what it lacks is the repercussions it may have on a person later in life, and jus focuses on the immediate feel that occurs. I believe it is hard to accurately perceive drug use on media just because everyone experiences something different and more than likely it wont be as juicy then what fake stories that are already in the media. Although a good thing to be displayed is someone going to a rehabilitation center after developing the addiction to showcase that aspect.

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Media representations of drugs and drug use have greatly influenced the public perception and understanding and has shaped public policy. Media seems to often highlight the extreme cases of drug use which has led to a lot of fear and drama among society. I think a lot of the media focuses on extreme drug use cases such as abuse and addiction and emphasizes how they causes things such as crimes, destruction, and dangerous behaviors which often leads to stricter laws and an overall fear from the public. I think on the opposite end of the spectrum, some media platforms and TV shows or movies portray drug use in a very "light" and almost normalized manner which can also give false ideas of the harms and issues. I think the media should aim to focus on a more educational and evidence based approach as a way to advocate and educate on drugs and drug use, which can be a positive way media can be used. By doing this, the general public can hear real world example of drug use and also gain valuable information from trusted professionals to better understand the complexities of substance use. When using media as an educational resource, it is important to ensure that stigmas aren't being created and that the education being provided isn't dehumanizing drug users, which can be a hard thing to balance and do. It is crucial that the media is used in an educational and balanced way to discuss topics of drugs and drug use to promote more compassionate perspectives and well rounded policies.

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I think that media portrayals of drugs have negatively impacted public perception which influences public policy. I have noticed that there are generally two extreme portrayals: 1) drugs are a casual thing that most people do or 2) people that do drugs are bad people who choose to destroy themselves and hurt others. The first type diminishes the negative impact that drugs have on individuals and the communities around them. I find it common to find this type of media represented in t.v. shows geared towards young adults, who are the ones are the most vulnerable to fall into the vicious cycle. The glamorization of drugs promotes a "pop/rap star" lifestyle that seems enticing to so many people but leave out the price to pay for it. Personally, I think that the policies that have created an environment to "safely" consume drugs have been influenced by these types of portrayals. Whereas, the excessive sentences for the use or possession of drugs are influenced by the condemnation of substances and the people who use them. The major fault lacking in both depictions is that they lead to the "treatment" of the symptoms and not the cause. I think that if the media shifted the focus on to why people use drugs it could garner more sympathy from people who don't have experience but also draw attention to and hopefully lead to public policies that fixes the causes. One of the cases from my childhood that was almost successful was the quitting smoking campaign, I remember watching the commercials of the people who were affected by their smoking habits and talking about how they wish they would have never done it in the first place. This was ingrained into my mind as well as many others in my generation. It was even said that my generation would be the ones to end smoking but when the media shifted to depict vaping as the "cool new thing," it completely ruined all of the work that was done. The power of emotions combined with a logical strategy can help shift the narrative into a more productive one.

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Media has a stronghold on bringing out intense emotional reactions in society. In terms of drugs, media has provided a spectrum where there is a range of both positive and negative outlooks upon the usage of drugs. The news is a constant distributor of the consequential side of addiction, where there is often times a memorial of a person who lost the battle with the disease. Some films work to enunciate the interpersonal turmoil both the user and their families experience, which also works excellently to connect to the emotions of the viewer. This is a main factor in the weight which media carries in the realm of persuasion and leverage. It is a decently universal understanding that drug abuse is harmful to the body, but through the power of media, the line between therapeutic drug use versus abuse can become a lot less blurred. Additionally, a greater emphasis on the positive side of drug use (for those suffering from health conditions) can help to relieve the suffocating stigma that surrounds drugs as a whole. Providing more profound education on highly popular drugs results in clarity and better personal understanding. Fostering a personal understanding unlocks greater self reliance with health, rather than constantly relying on the word of others to make decisions. This brings more power to the individual, which is always important when it comes down to the ingestion of medication that can turn for the worst when mishandled.

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The media portrays drugs in many different ways, which has a substantial effect on society. It influences public perception by perpetuating the notion that drugs are "required" or an essential part of having a good time. For example, whenever parties or concerts are portrayed in movies or TV shows, at least one substance is used. This normalizes substance use, and for some people, this can lead to abuse. Many types of music also mention drug use, which can lead listeners to drugs, as popular artists can easily influence them. Many times, the music portrays the euphoric and "desirable" effects of drugs, leading to the perception that they are not harmful. Other forms of media, such as TV shows and documentaries, showcase the damaging effects of drugs. One example would be the TV show "Euphoria," which focuses on a teenage drug addict and the effects of her addiction on her health and relationships. Even though not all aspects of the show are accurate, it offers a fresh media perspective on the destruction caused by drugs on the addict and the people around them. It also shows the strength that it takes to start and continue the recovery journey. The media can be leveraged to foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use because it is a relatively simple way to reach a large and diverse audience. Credible agencies such as the CDC can utilize social media and TV to create PSAs on the dangers of drug use and offer information on resources for addicts and their families. This information can also be presented in a way that appeals to and reaches particular age groups at the highest risk for drug abuse.

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Media portrayals have influenced public opinion on individual drugs as well as which demographics tend to use them. In some cases well intentioned campaigns have actually increased the popularity of certain drugs, and have led to stereotypes about drug users that aren't always true. Media can be especially influential to young people, by glamourizing drugs or making them seem like a way to impress others, or by creating fear and stigma around drug use that isn't typically true of drugs or drug users. One way that media can remain balanced and provide informed perspectives is by sticking to empirical evidence and not making kneejerk decisions to report trends or perceptions of people in power who may have ulterior motives.

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Outside of educational settings, media is one of the most common forms that everyday people gather information about the world that surrounds them. In decades passed, media was distributed in the form of newspapers, and in more recent times, it is distributed in electronic form. This includes news channels on TV, internet blogs, and most commonly social media. Today, media is easily distributed to the masses and easily absorbed. Portrayals of drugs are, from my perspective, often either positive or negative, with extremes being the most likely to be viewed. On one hand, there are individuals that showcase the positive side of drug use, such as celebrities. While on the other hand there are individuals showing the darker side of drug use. This often involves showing people who are battling with addiction.

Portrayal of drugs in a negative light through media has led to policies that attempt to restrict the substance’s availability or eliminate the substance entirely. Additionally, it has led to policies that treat substance use by any person, in any way, as a societal ill that requires intervention. These policy makers are often regarded as more conservative in nature.

Knowing the influence that media has on public policy and public perception. It seems, to me, that it is important to highlight that drugs are neither good nor bad. While informing people that there are pros and cons to every drug and its use. Social media platforms can be leveraged to distribute high quality information about drugs and their use as well as biological effects. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual to weigh the consequences against the potential benefits.

I believe that with a more informed and balanced perspective on drug use, we as a society can come to implement drug policies that are not at either extreme side of the drug control spectrum. While also arriving at a more cohesive public perspective on drugs that emphasizes moderation/appropriate use for those who choose to use them.

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Within the past 15 years or so, there have been countless films and shows that glorify drugs and appeal to a young adult audience. A couple of these films would be Harold and Kumar, The Pineapple express, or the show Euphoria which all glamorize a drug and substance abuse centered lifestyle, which I think as a result have swayed a large majority of millennials, gen Z, and gen Alpha, to consider that lifestyle as ok and something that more than a few would rather prefer than a normal lifestyle of sobriety. And other substances that act as a gateway such as zyns and vapes which are being widely used by kids who are certainly not of legal age are further normalizing such a mindset and lifestyle. Because of this change in perspective with younger generations who are now current and future voters, I believe that politicians are appealing to the perspective of the youth, which can be further proven by all the politicians starting up a TikTok platform and promoting their campaign. So as a result of appealing to the youth, there is policy change such as the legalization of marijuana in many states.

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I think media portrayals of drugs have influenced public perception in quite a few ways. Popular television shows such as Breaking Bad have been said to highlight some illicit substance use, and highlight the dangers of the crime aspect of illegal substance use. I also think media such as the news or adult animations tend to portray people struggling with substance abuse issues in a very negative light, going as far as to "other" people who are experiencing something very difficult and paint them as criminals. I think because the media portrays people struggling with addiction so negatively, it creates a harsh public opinion of them, and I think this could be counteracted by using media to talk about the dangers of addiction, and how to actually help someone struggling. I think if people were more educated on what addiction actually was as a mental health disorder, they would approach it with more empathy and kindness, rather than treating people who struggle like criminals who are undeserving of basic human decency and compassion.

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Media has a big influence on public opinion. From my own observation, how the media portrays a drugs differently based on how accepted they are. For instance, alcohol is a drug commonly hyped up in the media through numerous commercials, movies, songs, and shows. This is expected as the alcohol industry is big and a drinking culture is very common in the US. In comparison, drugs like heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine are depicted as instantly addicting and dangerous. Furthermore, policy surrounding these drugs are stronger.

The media has a big influence, which is why it should be used to share accurate information about substances good and bad. A balanced perspective, would involve sharing stories of why people use drugs and their experiences. This is important, as majority of people criminalize substance users despite everyone having different reasons. In addition, education about the science behind drugs and consequences of substance abuse should be told.

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Media portrayals of drugs have influenced the public's perception in a negative way whether it be from YouTube to movies/TV shows. Because of the negative views of drugs and the people that use them, it makes people reluctant to take their side. When people are walking downtown, where many homeless people and drug attics roam, people will try to avoid them out of fear that they can attack them or rob them due to influences of TV shows, movies, or YouTube. To put it in layman's terms, the media portrays them as potential criminals or threats. Because of these unfortunate labels, it can be hard for them to seek help without being ignored or judged.

The media can be leveraged to foster informed and balance perspectives on drug use by putting evidence based facts on the news or discussing in high school, and/or looking for influential people to help publicize evidence based facts that can be posted and re-posted by their followers to make it world-wide.

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Media portrayals of drugs have a significant influence on public perception and policy. It often is used in extreme narratives that glamorize drug use or causes fear. The entertainment media like TV shows, Movies, and music often exaggerate drugs use which becomes a distortion to the public eye. Many films and shows depict drug trafficking to be thrilling without recognition of the real world consequences of drugs and drug abuse. The movie "Wolf of Wall Street", has a lot of drug usage throughout the movie showing that it appears to be fun, and empowering without addressing the real addiction that's caused and the long term health issues. This can create misleading impressions to those, especially a younger audience. As well as the rap culture embraces drugs, wealth, and the glorification of living that "party lifestyle". That shapes the public eye and attitude to thinking it is exciting and what they should "strive" to get at. To promote a more informed public perspective about drug use we need to promote more public health campaigns, documentaries showing real life consequences, and people telling their story from personal experience.

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There is a wide range of media portrayals of substance use. I think that in the past, addiction and substance use was always portrayed in an intensely negative light and in a way that made addiction seem like a choice. This gave the public a poor image of people struggling with substance use, and this perception likely leaked into policy. These portrayals were unfair and did not capture the entirety of the experience of someone who uses substances. More recently, I feel that there has been a better representation of substance use and its complexity. Movies and books have come out that help the public truly understand addiction and how it can take over someone's life. Many pieces of media glamorize drug use and make it seem trendy or enticing. This could influence members of the public to develop an interest in trying drugs. One thing the media must do to inform the public of the reality of substance use is share real stories from people who have recovered or their loved ones. It is important for the public to hear real stories instead of made-up or dramatized stories about substance use. I think it is also important for the media to discuss the science surrounding substance use and addiction to give people a more holistic view of substance use.

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Media Portrayals have played a huge role in shaping the public perception, they often glamorize and exaggerate drug use which can cause fake narratives. The entertainment media like TV shows, Movies and Music all play a huge role in the distortion of public perceptions. For examples the movie "Wolf of Wall Street", there is a ton of drug use throughout that movie that appears to be fun, and empowering. This can create a misleading impression especially to those who are a younger audience which will create a false narrative for them with the lack of knowledge they have to the downside and consequences of drug use. In the music industry the rap culture plays a huge part, in lyrics drugs are often depicted as symbols of wealth, luxury, and excitement. They rap about this "party lifestyle" they live and how drugs make it fun and exciting but they don't acknowledge the long term health issues that play a huge part. To promote a more unformed public perceptive we can promote more campaigns to educate people, and have people/survivors talk about their first hand experience.

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Media portrayals of drugs have shaped public perception in both positive and negative ways. On the negative side, media often fails to differentiate between drug use, misuse, and addiction, creating a misleading narrative that anyone who uses substances is an addict and that addicts are inherently criminals. In reality, individuals who use, misuse, or are addicted to substances come from diverse backgrounds and all age groups. On the positive side, media coverage raises awareness by reporting on different substances, overdose incidents, and areas where drug use is most prevalent—though this, too, can have unintended negative consequences. If media outlets provided consistent, factual information, they could be leveraged as a powerful tool to educate the public on substance use, misuse, and addiction more effectively.

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I think the way drugs are shown in the media has made a huge impact on how people think about them and even on how authorities create laws against them. In the past, movies, TV, and news report have often made drug use seem scarier than it really is, which has led to harsh punishments instead of help for people who need it. For an example, the show Euphoria has depicted the use of drug to be very graphic. I know when I watched the show it kind of freaked me out because of how many the characters were using the drugs. Especially the main character, Rue, was addicted to cocaine and just seeing how they portrayed the feelings of her on the drug made an impact on me. But I think media can also be used in a positive way to portray drug use. Media such as documentaries and news stories that show real struggles of addiction can help other people understand that drug use is a complex issue, not just a crime. Social media campaigns and TV shows that tell more realistic stories can fight stereotypes and spread facts instead of fear. I think if the media focused more on education and empathy, it really can change the publics view on drug use.

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Throughout the years, the media has and continues to use various portrayals of drug use. This has caused many different perceptions and has had a significant influence on the public. It's mostly displayed on TV shows, movies, music videos, and social media. These depictions of drug use not only show the environment in which drugs are used but they also frequently portray drug use in a way that makes it seem appealing and pleasurable. Drug use is also mostly portrayed as reckless behavior, based on poor decision-making rather than in-depth reasoning.

As much as drug use is commonly displayed in the media with intentions to spread awareness, it could also glamorize the use of drugs. I believe the way that the media can inform and balance perspectives on drug use is to portray the appropriate message. Advertising and portraying more in-depth situations can explain the severity and complexities that drug use carries. Providing more information as to what drug use does to the brain and what can drive people to continuously use them or begin to use drugs can change the perspectives on drug use. Reaching younger audiences through social media can also be beneficial because that age group is more vulnerable to experimentation. I believe that more information on drug use can encourage society to spread their knowledge on the subject and create avoidant strategies to prevent the glorification or continuation of drug use.

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Siena Davoli-Boen - Week 1 Media Discussion

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Siena Davoli-Boen - Week 1 Media Discussion

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Historically, media portrayals of drugs have had both positive and negative influences on public policy and perception of such substances. Media portrayals may have a positive effect by honestly elevating the stories of those who have struggled with drug abuse or dependency, and thereby educating the public to be better informed about illicit substances. This can improve public perception of both drugs and of the people who have struggled with them, by reducing stigma. Such portrayals may also positively influence public policy by advocating for further public education and rehabilitation systems in the stead of harmful criminalization efforts. However, when portraying drugs through methods such as presenting stories of substance use, the media may also have a negative influence on public perception of drugs by instead reinforcing harmful beliefs about drug use that contribute to stigma and the erasure of valuable, informative lessons.

One example that demonstrates both of these potential impacts from media portrayals of drugs is the coverage of celebrity singer Demi Lovato’s substance abuse struggles (with cocaine and heroin). On one hand, some coverage uses the topic as an opportunity to educate the general public, promoting awareness and acceptance in mainstream culture, as well as advocating for non-punitive public policy regarding drugs. In contrast, on the other hand, some media coverage portrays Demi Lovato’s substance abuse negatively, using the well-known case study as a way of sensationalizing drug use or condemning people like Lovato, who are often vulnerable. As a result of this negative coverage, public perception limits constructive discussions surrounding drug use and recovery, and supports the negative social norms that contribute to disciplinary policy such as the “War on Drugs.”

The media can be leveraged to foster more informed and balanced perspectives on drug use by incorporating more scientific research and diverse testimonials from those who have first-hand experience with substance use. By elevating the anecdotes of those who understand the subject best, such as medical professionals and patients, the media can limit the often uninformed and inaccurate narratives which so often contribute to unhelpful, negative narratives. Additionally, by maintaining specific standards of journalistic integrity and placing more value on reliable sources who avoid sensational stories, media across all platforms can improve the quality of their portrayals to promote more balanced perspectives in the general public.

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Media portrayals of drugs, including cannabis, opioids, and alcohol, have played a significant role in shaping public perception and policy. Historically, the media often focused on the negative effects of drug use, emphasizing addiction, crime, and social decay. This led to punitive policies and stigma, particularly around substances like cannabis and heroin. However, in recent years, media coverage has evolved to highlight the medical benefits of certain drugs (e.g., cannabis and psychedelics) and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, leading to a shift in public attitudes and policy changes, such as decriminalization and legalization efforts.

To foster balanced perspectives, the media can promote responsible reporting based on scientific research, offer diverse viewpoints, and focus on harm reduction strategies. This approach can help the public better understand the complexities of drug use and encourage informed policy decisions.

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The ways in which media views drug can greatly influence the public thoughts on them. Just talking about them can either make a young person want to try them or stay as far away as possible from them, even going out of their way to tell their family and friends. Media outlets have a very important responsibility to not downplay, but not overexaggerate drug problems in society. Drug users will be looked down upon as lesser than instead of given treatment options while downplaying the drug problem can cause more drug use. It can also cause clean individuals to start trying out drugs. Programs like D.A.R.E. had absolutely no affect on me and I can assume it was the same for my fellow classmates since most of my high school was smoking marijuana like it was candy. Though kids do not watch these media outlets much most likely, I think it is extremely important they put the right message across. Teenagers can be incredibly difficult to reach so one wrong message can cause a domino effect of decisions.

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Its an unfortunate fact that there is often a disconnect between how drugs and their use are portrayed in media vs the realities of drug use in modern culture. From my experience, drug use is often sensationalized and depicted in one of two extremes, idealized or demonized. For instance, we hear musical artists bragging about their personal drug use, often focusing on the pleasurable effects they have, or how drug use goes hand in hand with success. On the other hand, how many movies or tv shows have depicted drug users as criminals living on the outskirts of society? In reality most drug users are everday people who live mostly "normal" lives. This sensationalized focus on the extremes leads to a perception in society where drug use is a "them" issue when the truth is most of us will likely be impacted by drugs at some point in our lives wether its firsthand, or through a family member, close friend, colleague, etc. The issues of drug use, drug abuse, addiction and SUD need to be talked about in a more honest way in our society if we are to start making any lasting change.

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I think the media plays a big part how people see drugs or substances that shape public policy. It's sad because advertising for alcohol or other forms of medication is all over the media. We are shown that it is ok to party or drink, and it is fun. Everybody does it so it must be ok. That's what we are conditioned to think that it is ok, not really knowing what the outcome will be if not done responsibly. We see the beginning of partying which is fun, or the addiction, which is people living on the street, overdosing or death and not really the middle which is how to deal with these things if we are starting to get addicted to it. There has not been much education or help until recently and still people are so far gone that they don't want to change. I think there has to be some information available to the public, more education for people struggling and more recourses for people that need help. We are quick to send people to jail but then what? Right back to the streets. Everybody needs to know how to help or where to go for help. Education is a must to help solve the problem.

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The way that the media portrays drug use can greatly influence how the public thinks about this issue and what policies are put in place by government.  In recent years, media coverage of the opioid epidemic has highlighted the devastating consequences of corporate greed and inadequate regulation. This has led to greater public awareness and for pharmaceutical companies to be held accountable. However In some areas of media drug use  is normalized and even glamorized. This portrayal minimizes the risks and impact of addiction and gives a false sense of benefit. In the past addiction and drug use in the media used fear and sparked panic in the public. The war on drugs in the 1980s played a big role in how addiction is viewed. It led to mass incarceration and drug policies that mostly impacted lower income communities. The media made this issue viewed as a crime rather than a public health crisis. I think that in the media drug use is viewed as less than and points towards lower income and unhoused people as being the problem. While it is a problem in these communities it affects more of the people in the country than we think. The media needs to play a better role in how it portrays drug use so people will be influenced to make more change. The media should be used to spread awareness, educate and promote policy to the public.

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Media portrayals of drugs have significantly influenced public policy and public perception, often shaping societal attitudes and driving legislative responses. Historically, sensationalized reporting and dramatized narratives have amplified fear and stigma, contributing to punitive policies. For example, during the "War on Drugs" era, media campaigns frequently depicted drug users as dangerous criminals, fostering support for mandatory minimum sentencing laws and increased incarceration rates. This narrative disproportionately impacted marginalized communities and reinforced racial stereotypes.

Conversely, media can also catalyze positive change. Recent coverage of the opioid crisis has shifted the narrative from one of criminality to one of public health concerns. Stories that humanize individuals with substance use disorders and highlight systemic factors influencing addiction have increased public support for harm reduction strategies, such as expanded access to treatment programs and naloxone distribution.

The media's role in reshaping perceptions is further evident in the evolving conversation around cannabis. Decades of negative portrayals gave way to more balanced discussions, contributing to widespread public support for legalization and regulation. Documentaries, investigative reports, and personal stories have provided nuanced perspectives that challenge outdated stereotypes.

To leverage the media for fostering informed and balanced perspectives on drug use, several strategies can be employed:

1. Promote Evidence-Based Reporting: Journalists should prioritize accurate, data-driven reporting that contextualizes drug use within social, economic, and public health frameworks.

2. Highlight Lived Experiences: Platforms should amplify the voices of individuals with lived experience, including those in recovery or affected by policy decisions.

3. Support Harm Reduction Messaging: Media campaigns can educate the public on harm reduction approaches, such as supervised consumption sites and needle exchange programs, reducing stigma and promoting health-focused interventions.

4. Collaborate with Experts: Partnerships between media outlets, public health organizations, and academic institutions can ensure balanced and factually correct content.

5. Encourage Local Storytelling: Community-driven narratives can provide authentic insights into substance use and recovery complexities, fostering empathy and understanding.

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How have media portrayals of drugs influenced public policy or public perception, and in what ways can the media be leveraged to foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use?

Media portrayals have influenced the public perception of drug usage by increasing the stigma against drug usage. News channels, TV shows, and movies focus on the negative aspects of drug usage in order to portray drug users as "junkies" and "degenerates". Typically, music like rap often glorifies the usage of drugs and heavy substance abuse, as they describe the thrill of using drugs such as codeine (referencing the song "Codeine Crazy" by Future) or lean (referencing the song "Lean with Me" by Juice Wrld). This influences a large population of youth to try potentially fatal substances - however, news articles and television shows look down upon these music styles, creating confusion within the youth on what opinion they should take regarding drug usage. In order to foster informed perspectives, the media can be more clear by not glorifying drugs that can have lethal consequences, and creating a better distinction and informational database about which drugs can be taken recreationally without health consequences and which cannot.

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Media has played a huge role in shaping how people think about drugs and how governments create drug policies. The way drugs are portrayed in movies, TV, and news has often led to fear, misinformation, and strict laws. At the same time, the media can also be used to spread more balanced and informed perspectives. During the 1980s, news reports on crack cocaine created panic and led to extremely harsh drug laws, especially targeting Black and Latino communities. The opioid crisis of the 2000s was reported differently, often focusing on addiction as a public health issue rather than a crime problem, partly because it affected more white and rural communities. These media portrayals have influenced policies such as the War on Drugs, mandatory prison sentences, and strict drug prohibitions. Media can be a powerful tool for educating people about drugs in a more accurate and responsible way.

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Media portrayals of drugs really shape how people see drug use and influence the policies that get made. Honestly, I feel like the media often dramatizes drug stories, making everything sound scary and extreme. This creates a lot of fear and misunderstandings among the public. It’s frustrating because this sensationalism has led to harsh policies like mandatory minimum sentences and the War on Drugs, which usually end up hurting marginalized communities the most.

I think the media could do a better job by just being more real and balanced. It would help a lot if they focused on accurate information and showed the whole spectrum of substance use instead of only extreme cases. Also, sharing more stories about recovery, effective treatments, and harm reduction could genuinely help people understand the complexity of addiction. If the media shifted toward these kinds of stories, I believe it would reduce stigma and lead to more compassionate and effective policies.

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Media portrayals of drug use have powerfully shaped public perceptions. Oftentimes, addiction is depicted as criminal leading to false narratives and harmful perceptions. More recently, the media is shifting the idea of drug use towards a rather psychological and social issue. To foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use, the media must use an educational and empathetic perspective. Showing examples of real-life users and addiction experts can help to humanize the idea of drug use. Offering solutions and advertising public health options can also lead to prevention throughout the media.

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American media in particular has a strange way of portraying people who suffer with addiction issues. Ever since the war on drugs, the media tends to lean away from empathy when reporting on drug issues in the United States, often framing addicts as criminals, rather than victims of addiction and the current culture surrounding drugs only reinforces this narrative. When drugs are put in this perspective, public perception towards drug addicts carry many negative connotations, making it harder for people suffering vicious addiction cycles to speak out and seek help. As public perception worsens, policies lean towards punishment and imprisonment over rehabilitation.

If the media were to take a broader approach to educating the public about how addiction starts, and being honest about what drugs can do, public perception towards people suffering with addiction could improve, and local governments would be more likely to implement policies that help lower drug abuse and addiction while addressing the issues related to punishing addicts.

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Media portrayals of drugs have played a significant role in shaping public perception and policy. Media portrayals of medicines have played a significant role in shaping public perception and policy. There has been a growing acceptance of cannabis, which has been influenced by advocacy for its medical benefits and relatively low risks compared to other substances. There has also been a resurgence of interest in the use of psychedelics for mental health treatment, which is bolstered by scientific studies and media portrayals in news outlets and documentaries. However, even though positive coverage of these drugs can help reduce stigma, there needs to be responsible media coverage that includes expert analysis and facts about the use of these substances. Certain TV shows, like Euphoria and Skins, can romanticize the use and abuse of substances. Without the correct knowledge of what they can do to you, people can irreparably harm themselves or overdose. Situations like these and the crack and cocaine panic of the 1980s led to harsh drug laws. In more recent years, mental health has become more critical, and instead of immediate incarceration, policy has changed to focus more on treatment.

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What immediately comes to mind after reading this question is the public portrayal of undocumented individuals. Particularly in light of the fentanyl epidemic, undocumented people have been unfairly stereotyped as drug smugglers and criminals by our president. His hasty generalizations shape public opinion, which, in turn, leads to restrictive, stereotype-driven policy decisions.

One effective way the media can be leveraged to foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use is by presenting unbiased and reliable information. Rather than relying on anecdotal evidence and confirmation bias, the media should demonstrate how demographic variables are related to drug use. Table 1.4 in our textbook illustrates this well, stating, "Expectations regarding ethnic and racial influences on drug use are more likely to clash with Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health."

Another idea would be to educate the public about the fallacy of small numbers and then include reports on the number of undocumented individuals apprehended with fentanyl.

Butcher, A.-H. N. and P. (2022, September 8). Disinformation on migration: How lies, half-truths, and mischaracterizations spread. migrationpolicy.org. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/how-disinformation-fake-news-migration-spreads#:~:text=To%20take%20another%20prominent%20example,on%20security%2C%20neglecting%20humanitarian%20considerations.

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Media portrayals of drugs have heavily influenced public perception and policies. Media portrayals significantly influence our consumer society as we are constantly ingesting news. In particular, news tends to highlight the negatives happening in society. The stigma built around drugs has ultimately been spread due in part to the media. For instance, during Ronald Reagan's presidency, he pushed a large media sentiment on the War on Drugs. This would lead to the spread and development of drug awareness and education groups such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.). This act saw the media negatively publicizing drugs, in turn leading to much of the stigma that is held against drugs. Likewise, in modern times, the media broadcasts a large number of deaths in relation to certain drugs like fentanyl. This select media of only announcing deaths establishes an unfavored stigma on drugs as they create panic among citizens. Despite all these negatives, the depiction of drugs in media is not always negative. The recent legalization movement of marijuana saw many take a different view of drugs as it was seen for medical uses, being a significant step in the decriminalization of drugs for medical purposes. Many have shifted from not approving marijuana to becoming more neutral or in favor of legalization. In addition, outside of the media of news, drugs have been viewed more favorably due to hip-hop culture. The hip-hop culture often includes rapping about the consumption or distribution of drugs. The mass consumption of this genre of music has made many neutral to the idea of drugs. Overall, the media has an enormous influence, both positive and negative, on the depiction of drugs.

Media can be leveraged to foster a perspective on drug use through the education of the masses. Media is such a powerful source when it comes to the spreading of news and empirical evidence. Giving proper education on the effects of drug use is the best way to set the narrative right with drugs. Media should use positive analytical evidence that can drive how people feel about drugs. Likewise, they should use positive empirical evidence to highlight how drugs have helped society in different fields, such as medicine. The best way to have a good perspective is to know about what you are talking about, so being educated on drug use would be the best way to foster an informed and balanced perspective on drug use.

Media can be leveraged to foster based perspective on drugs use through education of the masses. Media is such a powerful source when it comes to the spreading of news and empirical evidence. My giving proper education on the effects of drug use is the best way to set the narrative right with drugs. Media should use positive analytical evidence can drive how people feel about drugs. Likewise, they should use positive empirical evidence to hihglight how drugs have helped society in different fields such as medicine. The best way to have a good perspective is to know about what you are talking about, so being educated on drug use would be the best way to foster infromaed and balanced perspective on drug use.

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I believe the media has had a significant influence on drugs and policies. Most media target drugs as harmful and use them as a fear factor for the younger generation. While that is a huge issue within the world of drugs, many social media outlets do not shine light on the positives and healthy side that drugs bring to the medical field. For example, rappers, YouTubers, and "influencers" have portrayed drugs like cocaine, weed, alcohol, etc., as sort of a humorous regard, almost like it's funny and cool to experience these sorts of things. The media can be leveraged by putting on beneficial information and showing using drugs and any addiction issues as an educational experience. Many people do not know the true extent and harm that certain drugs can do and how easy it is to develop a need for them.

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Media portrayals of drugs have historically played a significant role in shaping public policy and public perception. Early portrayals, especially during the "War on Drugs” in the 70’s and 80’s, often depicted drug users as dangerous criminals or morally deficient individuals. This has perpetuated a stigma, leading to harsher penalties and punitive policies rather than treatment-focused approaches.

I grew up in the 70’s in South Central Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in cooperation with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) started Project D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to tell youths to resist drugs. Project DARE targeted 5th and 6th grade students because they were easy prey to the pressures of drug use and portrayals of drugs by the media exacerbated adolescent drug use. Drug use and addiction was a part of my life. My brother Chris was addicted to “crack”, which subsequently lead to his murder in 1989.

During the Reagen Era, it was the “Just Say No” campaign lead by the First Lady, Nancy Reagan, with the focus on the drugs and not the causes for the abuse. Because of the involvement of the White House in the “War on Drugs”, the administration brought a narrow-minded perspective about the use and the effect of drugs in our society. The media portrayed it as a problem in lower socio-economic communities in urban cities around the nation and oversimplified the nature and realities surrounding drug use.

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Media portrayal of substance use can often teeter between a harm reduction focused approach, and an abstinence focused approach. Throughout history, the idea of ‘harm reduction’ has been further pushed by the media, and support for the approach has increased. While this is a productive way of addressing substance use, it can often be washed out by the simultaneous glamorization that also happens. For example, movies and television shows often portray scenes of drug use that are almost ‘romanticized’ in a way. This type of media can be harmful because it encourages viewers that this is a ‘fun’ or ‘cool’ way to live. On the other hand, other movies and television shows may promote the abstinence approach in depicting scary, or uncomfortable scenes of drug use. By implementing this stigma, or ‘fear-factor’ on these topics, it may induce fear in the public or even improperly depict the reality of drug use.

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I think that the media's portrayal of drugs has definitely played a big role in public policy and the public's perception. I feel that society and social media have glorified drugs too much in today's world. They're often in a lot of songs that make it seem like getting addicted to hard drugs is something that should be romanticized. It's very normalized for celebrities to be using hard drugs and openly express it in their music and social media platforms. The media can be leveraged to foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use due to covering the opioid crisis in this nation. There has also been a greater emphasis placed on mental health and rehabilitation and less of a stigma around addiction. The media can also be leveraged to inform society about drug use is showing viewers that this can happen to anyone and there is not one specific demographic that is purely at risk for drug abuse and addiction. By showcasing the intricacy of drug addiction and the biological and psychological factors that help contribute to addiction.

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I believe the media is mixed in its portrayal of drug use. On one hand, the media can use fear mongering and sometimes misinformation to strike fear into the public. This can be harmful in that it can cause people to have misconceptions about certain substances and their true nature. On the other hand, popular media can also glorify and normalize drug use. I believe the media would be best leveraged to spread the truth about substances so that the public can make safe and more informed decisions before falling into the cycle of addiction. I think this can be done in a variety of ways, but I believe that it should start from the source. It might be beneficial to the public if there was a trusted source of information that one could turn to in order to be informed about a substance's positive and negative effects.

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For the past several years the media (most music) has had an important influence in the young generation. Now a days they have influenced the younger generation as to what they should do to have a "status" or look "cool". I have personally seen this when I used to work at a middle school, and noticed the kids bringing vapes, or wax pens (containing marijuana). A lot of these students confessed to doing it for a "status", additionally when asked if they liked what they felt their answer was they only did it to fit in with their "friends" or peer group.

Unfortunately, this has been a trend in music for some time now, that i think it would lose popularity if the media in the music industry would do a song against drugs. The most recent problem now we have is against fentanyl and i think for the most party every media outlet has communicated to the public about the health risks of fentanyl, and how deadly it is, however unfortunately we have seen this has not been as effective as we think. As we are losing people to overdoses left and right. I think the only way to fix it is to continue educating in school to students about these harmful effects. As far as the media, and news casters I think it touches the public a lot more if we have loved ones provide their story about their loved ones they have lost due to fentanyl. The more we see a personal story, the more we relate and feel compassion, and makes us think we do not want our loved ones going through it.

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For as long as I can remember, the media has portrayed drugs in a way that makes them seemingly be the 'popular' or 'cool' thing to do. From music, to movies, tv shows, and social media, the public perception of drugs has been misinformed about the severity and dangers of drugs for many years. Movies and shows often illustrate drugs as something fun to do, and as if to party and have a good time there will always be drugs involved in some facet. Music makes it out to be like money, drugs, women, and material objects are the true determinants of success. People being "420 friendly" is a common introduction in this day and age to demonstrate their friendliness towards Marijuana. Cocaine usage has gone rampant in movies, and codeine is all over music in today's era. The media has unfortunately brainwashed the way that the younger generations coming up view the usage of drugs, and has influenced them into believing drugs are not as bad as school and medical facilities make them out to be. To counter act this, the media would need to start by showing the truth of drugs on a bigger scale. Giving the facts involved with drugs, showing examples of real people that these drugs have affected, and allowing for the population to see first hand what drug usage can actually do to you. I feel as though if people started to see the true damages caused by drugs from an earlier age before they get involved with them, it could help deter them from making the bad decisions that the misinformed media of the current day has imprinted into the minds of upcoming generations.

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In many instances the media portrays drugs as the thing to do, in movies, in songs, and in TV shows. In my opinion, many of these instances have a huge impact on the younger generation thinking that “it’s the cool” thing to do and “everyone is doing it” so why not? From my perspective, it seems as though the use of drugs and alcohol have been portrayed to be acceptable. The thing that is not well known or published is the side effects and health concerns.

The media could better assist in the information about drugs and the side effects by showing real life people and the devastation it can have on ones life. The harsh reality is many people experiment with drugs and then get hooked on them. In our society where social media has taken over, I think virtual help or assistance could help drug users or abusers to have more accessible care when needed.

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Media portrayals of drugs put them in a bad light, targeting drug misuse and addiction. The way these issues are portrayed enforces a stigma against drug users. On the other hand, certain movies or shows targeted towards teenagers portray drug use as something cool, helpful, or normal without diving into the consequences. This could be taken as encouragement, especially since this media is for a more impressionable group. Media containing factual information that goes outside of stereotypical boundaries would help foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use. Another helpful way is by showing real stories that highlight the benefits, and journey of recovery. I think when portraying drug use in teen movies or shows, there should be accurate depictions of the consequences as well, creating a balance. The focus on painting drugs as bad shouldn’t be bigger than the focus on the reasoning and specified experiences.

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Discussion  Week One - Joseph Acuna Moreno

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Discussion  Week One - Joseph Acuna Moreno

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The public's perception of drugs and substances is greatly influenced by the media which is presented to us across our favorite apps. I can admit being a fan of various rap artists and the style of music itself it can often promote a harmful image that can letch out to the wrong audience. Often times the image of doing drugs and various crimes is boosted in this music and is even glorified. There are various songs from a variety of different artists which speak on the topic of drugs. Not only how frequently they use substances but also how to use them which a younger person could learn from and then take out on their own time. I believe that the media could do a better job of leveraging and fostering a balanced perspective on drug use. I believe that drugs could be further humanized as this would make it a much more comfortable subject to approach. Beyond this being able to further fund the education system would be ideal as these programs prove to be very effective. By combining all of these ideas together, I believe that we can create better polices around drugs which make them safer to speak about and make sure people are staying away from since addiction and drug misuse can be easily fallen into.

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The media has been a useful tool to try and spread information on drug use and its harmful impacts. I feel its more evident in tobacco products most of all. Since the use of cigarettes had been so normalized in the 1930-50s and when research was done on their "health benefits" the quick turn around in the following generations was pretty large. Though with this turn around while the overall message of "cigarettes are bad for you" was delivered. The reasons on why or how can be often miscommunicated based on the individual. The general consensus that they cause lung cancer I feel is a often response, but how and why they are addictive is not well delivered. The media does a good job on instilling fear in the usage of drugs, but often fails to educate on why and its harmful effects; not only heath wise but for our development. Though this is just for cigarettes I feel for other drugs such as alcohol and marijuana information on their harmful effects has been somewhat lost. This also applies to harder drugs as well, though I will focus on alcohol and marijuana for this point as they tend to be more popular and normalized in comparison.They are also seen more in media in a more positive light though music, tv shows, and movies. And seen as a very normalized activity portrayed in early adulthood. What these two have in common is through media they are often made to seem harmless in moderation. In order to create a more balanced perspective is taking more about what the tipping point is in just casual drinking or smoking to addiction is in these areas. Being able to recognize issues and dependency not only in ourselves but our friends and family and what a "healthy" relationship looks like with these activities. In my opinion we are in the early stages of this. As we are starting to get more of a variance in media (tv shows and movies) on what its like living with people who struggle with addiction and its impact not only to the individuals who struggle with addiction, but also its impact on those we love. While the media has instilled fear into the masses about the usage of drugs we lack on proper education on why and how they are harmful to properly educate the public on how to avoid addiction.

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Media portrayals of drugs have greatly influenced public perception, typically shaping how people view drug use. Many shows and movies create a party lifestyle around the use of drugs and other substances. This could give people the wrong impression of drug use, making it seem like there are no consequences to frequent drug use or that this lifestyle is better than the one that someone is currently living. However, there are other platforms, TV shows, and movies that put drug use in an extremely negative light. Some include real life stories of how the use of drugs not only made someone feel but how it affected their life. Media has influenced public policy because in my opinion, the media can act as the "voice of the people," and if lawmakers look at statistics, concerns, or even praise of drug use, this could affect what laws they put into place. The media can be leveraged to foster informed and balanced perspectives on drug use by not only using statistics but personal perspectives to share the effects, all while keeping an unbiased view.

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The way that drug use is portrayed in the media can affect people and society at large in both positive and bad ways. The media can increase knowledge of addiction and warn individuals about the risks of drug use, but it can also glorify drug use and make it appear cool or acceptable. News and entertainment can often exaggerate the dangers of drugs which may lead to strict laws and fears. To create a more informed and balanced perspective on drug use, the media should focus on facts instead of fear, use entertainment to educate, and share real life stories from people that have experienced drug use or have been around drug use. Personal stories can help reduce stigma and encourage more supportive policies.

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Media portrayals have definitely influenced public perception of these drugs in a negative manner in a way that pushes certain substances into being more socially acceptable in today's society. One of the more prevalent one's I want to note is the act of vaping. When it comes to the advertisement of vaping, these companies are intentionally targeting younger populations through specific media campaigns. These media advertisements showcase the vapes with backgrounds like a beach to portray a relaxing sensation along with different shapes and colors that can resemble candy to some. Additionally, which I believe is the most damaging, is the act of utilizing young influencers or celebrities to resonate with younger populations that it is something they can indulge in. However, they are targeting young populations that are not of age to partake in these substances legally. Looking at this tactic from a business perspective, it makes sense because the younger you have a person hooked, the more money you are able to gain from them (life-long consumers), but at the cost of that person's health.

On the other hand, the media can be a very useful tool to provide information and evidence-based perspectives on drugs. People can be educated through social media campaigns on the real dangers and consequences in indulging in these substances. This doesn't mean to utilize scare tactics because that hasn't proven to be useful, but rather to simply provide information and facts, so that an individual can then make an educated choice on their decision to engage or not with a substance. Like most things, something can be used for good and bad, so as much as there is negative media portrayals, it can also be used for good to raise awareness and provide education on this topic in innovative ways that engage younger populations.

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The media's portrayal of drugs and other substances has had a significant impact on public perception and public policy, oftentimes sensationalizing depictions of drug use in music, films, TV, etc. For years, there has been a glorification of using mind-altering substances in music, with a lot of songs mentioning the recreational use of drugs. However, while the romanticization of drugs in this context may have led to younger and more susceptible groups experimenting with drugs, it has also led to fear-based narratives. We often see portrayals of drug users as dangerous or unstable individuals, and this contributes to stigmatization and harsher punishments rather than the rehabilitation and treatment of the individuals. More realistic representations of drug use can lead to more empathetic perspectives and public support for policies focused on harm reduction and access to treatment. TV shows like Euphoria provide a nuanced lens into the complexities of drug use and addiction and challenge stereotypes associated with drug users, portraying them as multidimensional characters rather than the commonly generalized group that they belong to.

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Media has a significant impact on shaping public perception and policy regarding drug use. Films, for example, present contrasting narratives that influence how audiences view substances. In Beautiful Boy, addiction is depicted as a devastating struggle, emphasizing the dangers of substance abuse and the toll it takes on families. In contrast, Pineapple Express portrays drug use, specifically marijuana, as part of a comedic, carefree adventure, normalizing and even glamorizing its consumption. While the substances in these films differ, there is a great contrast in tone that highlights how media can either instill caution or encourage more casual attitudes toward drug use. Beyond movies, social media further shapes perceptions, as influencers often showcase substance use in a more normalized manner. This can spark curiosity, particularly among younger audiences, and blur the line between safe and harmful consumption. However, recognizing these varying portrayals is crucial to fostering a more informed and balanced perspective on substance use in society.

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Media portrayals of drugs have had a significant impact on the public’s perspective of both beneficial and detrimental drugs and their usage, as well as public policy surrounding drugs. For example, sensationalized stories on the news or dramatized portrayals in TV often associate drug use with topics such as crime and/or moral failure. These portrayals has contributed to policies based in fear such as the War on Drugs- which prioritized punishment over treatment and disproportionately targeted marginalized communities.

However, media also has the potential to shift the perspective of the public toward a more empathetic and evidence-based approach. Through strategies such as prioritizing stories of recovery and the incorporation of experts the media can foster a more nuanced understanding. Documentaries, journalism, and social media campaigns have the potential to humanize those who use drugs and reduce the stigma surrounding drugs. This can result in the promotion of harm reduction strategies and public-health based policies.

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I think when it comes to the role of media impacting on public policy and perception I think that the media has a great coverage on issues that are drug related and can also lead to more fear-based understandings. I also do you think when it comes to media there are a lot of mixed messages that can be talked about in drug influence with public policies as someone that is working in the media for drug influence I do think that there is a lot of right and wrong perceptions. Now when it comes to what ways can media be leverage to foster informed and balance perspective on drug use, I think that media can focus on evidence-based information both highlighting risk and potential benefits to different types of substances. When you are reading the media and watching the media I do think having some type of promoting stories of recovery and harm reduction can be important for research especially. An important factor also to think about is different types of collaborations for example we can have health professionals and policy makers that can gather and ensure there is more supportive dialogue and research around drug use. For example something that is looked at as positive and media might not always be positive, for example let’s say you are dealing with some type of pain and you are recommended a opioid to alleviate that pain now that’s not necessarily positive because those opioids can become addictive and create challenges in your life. Now this is an example where I really do think research needs to influence people about informed balance on the perspective on drug use.

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I believe that the media has portrayed drug use as something “fun” and that you must do it in order to “have a good time”. Which can lead to influencing the public policy/perception on what is “normal”. Yes, danger and experience is good for a growing person but there’s always limits to what is being shown to younger generations. I can say that we are all familiar with a show or two that goes the extra mile to include drug use in their films. Maybe this is their way of promoting it as bad? Even if we aren’t talking about films; social pressures can lead someone to fall into the temptation of trying a drug. I believe that by promoting an open, judgment free, conversation with people regarding their drug use— would be helpful with the overall social perception of the drug use itself.

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I think that media portrayals of drugs have definitely influenced public policy and perception, and have changed the way that a lot of people view drug use, especially those who haven't had those experiences for themselves. I've noticed that the media often uses news stories or cases involving drugs to create negative ideas about participating in using them, which results in people being scared of drugs themselves and even judging other people who are using them. This kind of coverage by the news can ultimately cause people to want to create new policies in response to these stories and cases that more often than not include punishment for getting involved with drugs, rather than focusing on the health of these people and providing them treatment and support if they need it. I believe that the media has the power to promote informed perspectives that can enable people to be able to form their own balanced opinions on drug related topics. I think that instead of using scare tactics to create change, having honest discussions about risks and benefits of using drugs would create a more positive change revolving around the topic of drugs.

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In entertainment like films and TV shows, drug use is often shown in settings where morally wrong or criminal activities happen. This creates a perception that people who use drugs are “bad” or dangerous. However, in recent years, the media has started to shift its perspective. The legalization of marijuana in states across the country has contributed to a more accepting public view. Now we even see advertisements that present marijuana as a beneficial or “good” product. This contrast from putting fear into the public's mind shows how media can reshape public views over time. Moving forward, media can be leveraged more effectively to promote informed perspectives on drug use. For instance, sharing real life stories from people who have experienced addiction or drug abuse and how they overcame those struggles can help reduce stigma. Also, fact based journalism can provide accurate information that challenges harmful stereotypes. Media literacy is also essential. If the public learns how to critically evaluate what they see in movies, news, and ads, they’ll have a better time understanding the difference between dramatic portrayals and real-life experiences.

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The way drugs are shown in the media has a big impact on how people think about them and how laws are made. In the past, movies and news often showed drug users as criminals or bad people, which made the public scared and led to strict laws that focused on punishment instead of help.

Lately, the media has started to show a different side of drug use—like how the opioid crisis affected regular families and how addiction can be linked to mental health or pain. This helps people see drug use as a health issue, not just a crime.

The media can help even more by sharing real stories from people who’ve struggled with addiction, including doctors and families. If the media focuses on facts and understanding instead of fear, it can change how people think and help create better laws that support treatment and recovery.

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Media portrayals have heavily influenced how society views drug use and have impacted public policy. In earlier years, exaggerated and fear-driven portrayals led to stigma. Drug addicts were believed to be degenerates rather than people in need. Recently, media has begun to focus more on addiction as a health issue, especially in light of the opioid crisis, encouraging more treatment-focused approaches. To promote balanced views, media can share factual information, feature recovery stories, and include perspectives from experts and individuals with lived experience. Used thoughtfully, media can reduce stigma and support informed, compassionate responses to drug use.

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Media portrayals of drugs have always felt very mixed to me. On one hand, many shows, movies, and social media posts make certain substances seem fun or glamorous. In my own college experience, I have heard more about the positive side of drugs, like how they can help you unwind or enhance a party, than about the dangers. This kind of "advocacy" behind drugs can lead people to overlook the real risks, sometimes sparking curiosity to try substances without fully understanding the consequences. However, there is another side that often goes unmentioned. I have personally seen people close to me struggle with addiction, and it is heartbreaking to watch it affect their relationships, their health, and their entire sense of well-being. Occasionally, I come across social media posts where someone bravely shares their recovery journey or discusses alcohol abuse, and those stories can be powerful. Yet they are overshadowed by countless portrayals that focus only on the appealing aspects of drug use. The media's influence goes beyond shaping public perception; it also affects policy decisions. If people mostly see the euphoric side, there may be less urgency to support treatment or prevention programs. If the media only condemns drug use, it might push individuals away from seeking help because of fear or shame. That is why a balanced perspective is crucial. By highlighting both the positive and negative realities, including real accounts of addiction and recovery, the media can encourage a more open dialogue about drugs. This transparency could lead to more informed attitudes and policies that address the complex nature of substance use.

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Media campaigns can influence policy by changing public opinion, for example, when the media portrays smoking as a harmful behavior, there is a growing awareness of the dangers of nicotine, resulting in the policy of imposing smoking bans in public places. The media can also have a serious impact on public perception. One example is "Reefer Madness" (also known as Tell Your Children), which brought a kind of public fear and moral panic to people at that time. This often leads to draconian policies, stricter drug laws, and the "stigmatization" of drug users. The media can also help to promote an informed and balanced view of drug use and can be used to promote accurate, research-based information about drug use and addiction. This will involve presenting scientific research, interviews with health experts, and real-life stories from people who have experienced addiction, with an emphasis on treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.

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Media portrayals of drugs in music have influenced public perception in a way that makes them seem less harmless than they actually are, specifically cocaine. Charli XCX released her album "brat", which mentioned coke enough times for avid listeners to begin glorifying it, and Charli went as far as to produce a record variant with white powder. I think that this was a step in bringing back the accessibility of coke without bringing awareness to the cons of using it. On the flip side, there has been a great increase in awareness of roofies. Many pieces of media portray how easy it is to get roofied and how dangerous it is/the effects it can have on you. To keep informed and balanced perspectives in the media, when bringing up drug use, they need to give equal representation. If they discuss the highs, they need to acknowledge the lows for just as long and in depth so anyone consuming the media can have a good understanding of what they could be getting into.

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Media portrayals of drugs and drug use have greatly influenced public perception and public policy. A lot of media, specifically TV shows and movies, either show the negative and scary side of drugs or they glorify them. This can lead to misperception because it is not showing a middle ground for it. This will lead the public to perceive a certain opinion about drugs and drug use without knowing the rest or hearing all stories. For example, the show Euphoria intended to show the bad affects of drugs and make people not want to do them. However, the public saw it as a way that glorifies drug use, going to parties while intoxicated and drinking and smoking on a regular basis is something they showed a lot.

As far as public policy goes, I think that people tend to focus more on making drugs illegal than finding was to reduce drug use and helping people who have drug abuse problems because of how media portrays it. If someone committed a crime while being on drugs, it is always mentioned what drugs they were doing. The media also talks very negative about drugs leading people to focus more on making it illegal and getting rid of drugs, even though for some drugs, like cannabis, it can be used medically if used safely and moderately.

If the media changes its way on how they portray drugs, it could change the way the public thinks about them.

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The way media has portrayed drug use varies in many different ways. I’d say on social media, drugs are seen as something very normalized and used in a party aspect. This light hearted form of drug use can be a serious problem to young minds who think that drugs anre just seen as a party thing and not as a serious thing that should not be started just because others are doing so. Other forms of media like t.v series and movies have portrayed drugs as harmful substance abuse. What comes to mind is a movie called Beautiful boy. It’s about a boy going through drug addiction but it’s from the perspective of the dad who has to watch him fight this addiction and see it destroy his son. I think in this form of media, it’s very informative when it shows all the horrific sights you see when it comes to that stuff. Showing the dangers, negativity, and mental health that comes with it is a good way to show how serious of a topic drug use can be. A t.v. show that plays both parts that media and t.v. show is Euphoria. The show is seen to use high schoolers using drugs as a “good time” but than they show the reality of those who take it too far and become addicted. Although there are some people out there that take it once and it ended up being “fine” it shows another person who got addicted and ruined their family, friendships, and life.

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Media portrayals of drugs tend to differ. One media depiction that many of us remember, is the commercial on nickelodeon about marijuana. In this commercial, it often depicts a friend, or a dog trying to gain the subject's attention. However, the subject is depicted as melting into the chair, without the ability to respond because they are 'so slumped'. I tend to think of this ad often, because I wouldn't consider it accurate. I find that over dramatized ads tend to have less impact on me, than those that stick to facts. Such as the cig video many of us watched in middle school health class. That video explicitly stated the ingredients of a cig, and showed real examples of how lungs were impacted, as well as the effects on the body, and even the possibility of needed surgery to be able to breathe through a hole in your throat. Sticking to realism will be the best bet for public influence. Like mentioned in the reading, it's more common for a drug to be used rarely instead of to the point of complete inebriation. keeping this in mind, its less likely that a over dramaticized, theatrical warning ad will actually influence the population as it hopes to; especially when the target population is within the young adult range. However, at times this may be difficult, because newer drugs have less research done on them. Making a warning ad for vaping based on research for example, may be difficult, because we are unsure of the long term effects at this time. All that can be said, is that it might ve light cigs, and that it most likely is harming our lungs. In this case, depicting the possibilities is useful- The use of worst case scenario depictions may be useful, but without research, I fear that the target population may not take the info to heart. Even on tiktok, there are people who make jokes about how their strawberry geek bar might make their lungs collapse, but it just tastes and feels so good!

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Media portrayals of drugs have influenced public perspective in a negative way. Drugs are often show in a bad light in the media, such as commercials and ads warning about all the dangers of using drugs. It almost seems like the public is taught that doing drugs one time instantly leads to a life of addiction, which is not necessarily true. For example, marijuana was promoted as bad by the media, which led to a federal ban. Over time, the media and public began to see this topic in a new light and changed their perspective on marijuana. Now, many states have legalized marijuana, and it is not talked about as badly as before states began to legalize it. As the media's perspective changes, so does the public perspective. If the media is able to show the good and bad of drugs, it can lead to a more informed public perspective. By explaining the cautions of addition and abuse and the benefits that drugs can produce, the media can become unbiased and impartial in swaying public opinion.

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I think that the media portrays drugs in various different ways however none of the ways the drugs are typically portrayed are anywhere close to reality. I think typically the portrayal of drugs is either that it is great and fun or how it can only cause addiction and death. I personally think that it is a lot more complicated than that and there can be many different factors involved and it kinda depends person to person. I think if the media as a whole whether that is the news, movies or tv shows could start to give more education and better perspectives on drug use. I think if the media took a much more real approach and used facts and evidence within the way that they portrayed drugs public policy and public perception may also be much more understanding because they see the reality and depth to addiction and substance use.

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I feel like social media has pushed drugs in every direction. In movies, they're often portrayed as aesthetic or even cool. Drugs have this niche, "if you know, you know" appeal. They're everywhere, in films, TV shows, and especially music. I think music, in particular, tends to glorify drug use rather than show its downsides. When drugs are portrayed negatively, it’s often in a way that still romanticizes the struggle, making it seem almost desirable. Overall, I think social media is a huge factor in how we perceive drugs today, whether it be negative or positive.

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"All the cool kids are doing it." Is a statement often heard within the High School population. Being cool, standing out is seen as a status symbol, and the media seems to have capitalized on that. Whether it is through shows, movies, the music industry or people with an incomplete knowledge, all expose younger adults to these 'lifestyles'. Notice how in a variety of media like shows and movies, the most powerful head in a room is smoking. It makes you wonder.

While heroine and methamphetamines are rightfully portrayed dangerous in the media, other substances that are considered less debilitating, such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine use via cigarettes, vapes, are often undermined in the context of its highly addictive and destructive effects. Moreover, the ample use of OTC drugs such as pain killers, when taken out of proportion or unnecessarily, are also silent offenders in ruining our bodies' natural systems. This is especially exacerbated as seen in the Fentanyl epidemic that we are currently undergoing. This could point to necessary regulations lacking in the pharmaceutical industry.

As I view it, this will take time, however, the media should start portraying a more honest representation of the effects of these lesser 'villainized' substances. This would include shifting the audiences' perspective of smoking and excessive drinking from calling it 'fun and attractive' to 'destroying your body'. Most addictions seem to stem from a moment of half-knowledge or naivete. Education while eliminating the shroud of glamor, would serve as a great first step.

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Ive mostly ever experienced drug abuse in media via movies/tv shows/ and commercial advertisements. Although, I'm aware there are portrayals of drug usage across virtual and physical media channels. I think media has influenced an idea of an abuser to have a stigmatized "look" or appearance, ie. homeless, unclean, skinny, and sickly. Most addicts I've known or am aware of often don't fit this persona however, they are average people with average jobs that abused pain killers that spiraled into more serious substances. Or kids i went to school with that experimented with substances once they graduated. I think media could be more inclusive with producing content that educates people on the various ways drug abuse looks like. It isnt always the people on the streets; it can be a neighbor, friend, or family member. Chances are these people we seem to stigmatize as "hobos" or "junkies" were once a father, brother, or friend to someone that didnt recognize early signs of substance abuse.

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I think that the media has given the portrayal that drugs are a lot more "safe" than they really are. There are a lot of social media influences like rappers and other influencers that show their lifestyles. These life styles can sometimes be filled with drugs, and they do not normally show the negative side of it. Fans may see this and think of it as "cool" or a "good" way to have fun. Fans may not see the dark side of these drugs, and get into using them as well. I believe that media should be used to inform young audiences the dangers of these drugs. I think that this type of information and also a way to ask questions would be very beneficial to the youth.

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The media has played an essential part in shaping the public's perspective and policies surrounding drug use. Constantly influencing views through entertainment and misinformation. In past examples of drug use shows how fearful the public should be of substance abuse and the extreme repercussions of doing so. On the other hand, modern media somewhat normalizes substance abuse and uses it in a punitive way that is more complex. Highlighting the complexity of addiction and other social obstacles. Overall, media can be used to educate the public, advocating for resources, storytelling, prevention messages, and promoting ways to establish policies and treatments for public health and wellbeing.

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The media plays a major role in shaping public perception and policy on drugs. In the past, sensationalized news coverage fueled fear, leading to strict drug laws and mass incarceration, as seen during the "War on Drugs." At the same time, some films and music have glamorized drug use, making it seem exciting or rebellious. More recently, documentaries and social media have shifted the conversation, presenting addiction as a public health crisis rather than just a crime.

To create a more balanced perspective, the media should focus on education, showing the realities of addiction, recovery, and harm reduction. Instead of relying on fear-based messaging, accurate reporting and diverse storytelling can help inform the public and promote compassionate policies. When used responsibly, the media can drive meaningful change.

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I think it depends on the drug we are talking about, while cigarettes aren't a drug they contain nicotine which is a psychoactive drug and for the longest time cigarettes have always been portrayed as the cool and hip thing to do like if you have stereotypical "bad boy" in a show/movie they are almost always smoking. When it comes to hallucinogenic drugs like mushrooms or LSD however they have been more associated with hippies but as time as moved on I feel like it has started to be associated with the party scene. All of this has influenced the way people not only consume these substances but also influences our deeper thoughts and feelings that eventually impact legislation.

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I believe that media portrayals of drugs have had an impactful influence on public policy and public perception because of the stark contrast between the notion that drugs are saving your life and that they can kill you. Typically you will find the more negative opinions about drugs on the news and in movies related to the negative effects of drug use. The movies in particular do an outstanding job at bringing emotions out of the audience which typically aids in sending the message that drugs are purely dangerous and a threat to our society. The media will often use the audiences emotions to leverage there message that drug abuse is not ok so that the message is more impactful. Though on the other hand, the media can be used as a very powerful tool to highlight positive effects of drugs in the context of curing diseases or aliments. This can be seen in commercials for popular drugs. By providing a greater and more clear understanding of what the drug actually does, the viewers are more informed and can make better decisions about drugs use. This knowledge gives power to the individual watching and learning about the drug because they can make more informed decisions about what drugs to take and which ones to not take so that they don’t fall victim to drug abuse.

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I think that media portrayals in shows like Breaking Bad and movies like The Basketball Diaries have shaped how we view drug use, and they often focus on the extreme consequences of addiction, like showing the characters in dangerous situations. this can create a perception that all drug users are criminals or lost causes, which has led to policies that prioritize punishment over rehabilitation.

To create a more balanced view, the media could show the real side of addiction, including how it affects people's lives and the importance of recovery and treatment. this could help change how people think about addiction and push for policies that focus on helping people recover rather than just punishing them.

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The media has a huge effect on public policy and public perception regarding drug use because they create stereotypes and stigma for the person using drugs. for example they are harden criminals and are dangerous. The media also romanticizes and or glorifies drug use in shows and movies. Several examples of movies that do this are Fear and Loathing in Lass Vegas, The Wolf of Wall Street, Trainspotting. Normalization use and abuse is another way the media influences public perception. For example likes in tv shows Narcos, Weeds, Breaking Bad, Euphoria. The media shapes public policy by coverage of the war on drugs, and which lead to harsher policies on punishments. Media portrayal of cartels and violent crimes involving drugs has lead to harsher punishments instead of harm reduction and recovery for those who need it.

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Media portrayals of drugs have greatly shaped how people think about drug use and how the governments handle it. In the past, the media often showed drugs as dangerous and linked them to crime, which then led to stricter laws and a focus on punishing people who use drugs. But as time goes on the media started to show the struggles of people dealing with addiction, especially to opioids. Many people have began to see addiction more as a health issue than a crime. This shift in how drugs are viewed has led to policies that focus on treatment and support, rather than just punishment. By showing more accurate and balanced stories, the media can help people understand drug use better and encourage more thoughtful and caring responses.

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Media portrayals of drug use have a significant impact on both public policy and perception, shaping how society views drug use and the people who struggle with addiction. Historically, media has often depicted drug use as dangerous and criminal, reinforcing punitive policies like the War on Drugs and contributing to the stigmatization of users. However, recent shifts in media coverage—such as focusing on the potential medical benefits of substances like marijuana—have led to growing support for legalization and reform. While some media outlets still glamorize drug use, especially in music and film, others are using their platform to educate the public on addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one. By sharing personal stories and providing accurate, balanced information about the risks and realities of drug use, media can help foster informed discussions and advocate for more compassionate, evidence-based policies. In this way, media has the power to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and encourage policies that prioritize public health over punishment.

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Media portrayals especially in film and news significantly influence public attitudes about drug use, which in turn influence public policy. A good case in point is the War on Drugs, which was extensively reported in the news media, whipping up a hysteria and leading to draconian sentencing laws and an exponential rise in incarceration rates for cocaine crimes. On the other hand, recent media reporting on marijuana has shifted from blanket condemnation to a more even-handed stance, recognizing both potential medical uses as well as social justice issues.

I believe that the media can promote more thoughtful and educated attitudes by moving away from sensationalism and into professional research and real-life, relatable experience. Public education campaigns can also use interactive media like social media forums to dispel misinformation, offer support, and release personal stories of recovery. In doing so, media can help move the public response away from fear-based responses and into more compassionate, research-based drug policy.

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The media has significantly influenced how people see drug use, it is glamorized.

This dangerous portrayal glamorizes that risky behavior and disconnects them from the real consequences, like addiction or legal trouble. When people constantly see drugs associated with money, power, and fun, it creates a false sense that it’s not only normal but desirable, especially if you’re trying to fit in or seem successful.

On the contrary, the media also has the power to educate and shift the narrative.

Documentaries, social media platforms, and even some modern shows are beginning to show more of a realistic and compassionate picture of drug use.

They highlight the mental health struggles, trauma, and socioeconomic factors that can lead to substance use, and they promote solutions and access to treatment.

To foster informed and balanced perspectives, the media should aim to show both sides: the reality of consequences and the humanity of those who use drugs. By amplifying personal stories, sharing scientific information, and breaking down stereotypes, the media can play a huge role in reducing this stigma/ trend.

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Honestly, I think the media has had a huge influence on how people see drugs—like growing up, I remember seeing shows or news stories that made drug users look like criminals or totally out of control. It kind of made it seem like addiction was a choice or something to be ashamed of. Because of that, a lot of policies ended up being super harsh, like locking people up instead of helping them.

But now, I feel like things are slowly changing. Some shows and documentaries actually show the real side of addiction, like Dopesick, which totally opened my eyes to how companies and doctors played a huge part in the opioid crisis. It makes you realize people didn’t just wake up and decide to get addicted, you know?

I think the media could be used in a more helpful way if it showed more real stories, especially from young people or people in recovery. Like not just the dramatic, scary stuff, but the day-to-day struggles and small wins too. That would help people be more understanding instead of judging right away.

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Media portrayals of drugs has had a huge impact on both public policy and public perception. Shows like Euphoria, with all the high schoolers doing hard drugs, have really stuck with Gen Z, especially since we watched it when we were around 13 or 14. Seeing that much drug use on TV back then probably messed with what we thought was normal or okay when it comes to drugs. Drug use often comes across as normal or okay when people are exposed to media that makes drug use seem cool or commonplace. This is made worse by peer pressure, where using drugs might feel like a normal part of fitting in. A lack of education about the dangers of drug use, along with easy access to drugs, can further contribute to teens seeing drug use as normal. However it's important to remember that not all media glamorizes drug use. There are also films, public service announcements, documentaries, social media campaigns, and other forms of content that actively work to help teens and young adults make informed decisions, resist peer pressure, and ultimately stop using drugs. These resources can provide positive role models, educate about the risks, and offer support for those seeking to quit.