Digital Dangers: Exploring The Connection Between Social Media And Teenagers' Exposure To Dangerous Drugs

Abstract

Social networking platforms have many advantages for their users. However, the social media applications can have both positive and negative effects on teenagers. With social media application platform available, these youngsters are now exposed to social issues like illicit drug and substance use, prostitution, abortion, alcohol, pornography, smoking habits as well as other social problem. Illicit drugs and substance abused is not a new phenomenon and has become a concern issue in the country. Thus, the research is conducted to view connection between social media used and its exposure to illicit drugs and substance abuse among teenagers in Sarawak. The case of drugs abuse increases over the years as from June to August 2022, 3067 individuals involved in drug abused were arrested in Sarawak, and majority of them are youth. This paper discussed the phenomenon of drugs and substance abuse and its relation to social media exposure and usage among youth in Sarawak. This qualitative study was conducted in selected areas in Kuching. Interview were performed with a number of selected respondents to get an in-depth overview related to the social media usage and the exposure towards the illicit drugs activities. The study resulted in discovering that more young generations are being exposed to drugs usage and with the help of the social media, interactions between the teen and those involved in drugs selling activities became much easier.