Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

S1-8 Imbalanced Functional Link between Large-Scale Brain Networks in Heroin Addiction

Objective:Addiction is a reward deficit and stress surfeit disorder.By using resting-state functional connectivity MRI(rs-fcMRI),the aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of aberrant brain networks in heroin addiction,and whether addiction-related brain abnormalities would be persistent or recovered after long periods of abstinence.Methods:Rs-fcMRI analysis was performed on groups of recently abstinent(no more than 3 months)heroin-dependent(HD)subjects,long-term abstinent(more than 3 years)HD subjects,and non-addicted control(CN)subjects.The left and right nucleus accumbens(NAc)were defi ned as the seed regions of interest(ROIs),a brain region implicated in relapse-related processes,including craving and reactivity to stress following acute and protracted withdrawal from heroin.For each subject,correlation maps were created by calculating Pearson’s correlation coeffi cients between the time series of the seed ROIs and that of each voxel in the brain.These correlation maps were converted to Z-value maps using Fisher’s r-to-z transformation.Two-sample t-test was performed between different groups,to identify possible addiction-related NAc functional connectivity changes.The relationship between the duration of abstinence and the altered NAc functional connectivity in the heroin group was also examined.Results:Compared to the CN group,the recently abstinent HD group showed signifi cantly increased functional connectivity between the NAc and the reward network(caudate,amygdala,thalamus and ventral medial prefrontal cortex),whereas decreased functional connectivity between the NAc and the executive control network(frontal-parietal regions).The long-term abstinent HD group also showed imbalanced functional link between the reward and executive control networks.However,with longer abstinence time,the strength of some NAc functional connectivity gradually restored to near-normal levels.Conclusion:Our results suggest that the imbalanced functional link between large-scale brain networks could serve as system-level neural underpinnings of persistent drug addiction and potential for relapse,which can at least partly be recovered after long periods of abstinence.

Comparison of brain functions between healthy participants and methamphetamine users with various addiction histories:Data analysis based on EEG and fNIRS

The electroencephalogram(EEG)rhythm and functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)activation levels have not been compared between a healthy control group(HCG)and methamphetamine user group(MUG)with different addiction histories.This study used 64-electrode EEG and fNIRS to conduct an experiment that analyzed the resting and craving states.The EEG and fNIRS data of 56 participants were collected,including 14 healthy participants,14 methamphetamine users with an addiction history of 0.5–5 years,14 users with an addiction history of 5–10 years,and 14 users with an addiction history of 10–15 years.Isolated effective coherence(iCoh)within the brain network was used to process the EEG data.Statistical analysis was performed to compare differences in iCoh among the delta,theta,alpha,beta,and gamma bands and explore oxyhemoglobin activation levels in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex,dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,orbitofrontal cortex,and frontopolar prefrontal cortex(FPC)of the control group.Finally,the Kmeans,Gaussian mixed model(GMM),linear discriminant analysis(LDA),support vector machine(SVM),Bayes,and convolutional neural networks(CNN)algorithms were used to classify methamphetamine users based on drug and neutral images.A 3-class accuracy was achieved.Changes in EEG and fNIRS activation levels of HCG and MUG with varied addiction histories were demonstrated.

Microglia in drug addiction:A perspective from neuroimmunopharmacology

Drug addiction refers to a state of dependence that arises from habitual drug intake and can result in specific withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.The most commonly abused substances include psychostimulants,cannabinoids,and opioids.When drugs are consumed,they stimulate the release of dopamine,a neurotransmitter crucial for the pleasure and reward centers of the brain.With repeated drug use,the brain undergoes various changes,leading to tolerance,dependence,and addiction(Lüscher et al.,2020).The mechanisms involved in drug addiction are highly complex and involve diverse cell types within the brain.

A Problem Not to Be Ignored: The Influencing Factors of Mobile Phone Addiction and Its Influence on Sleep Quality

Background and Objective: With the popularity and widespread use of mobile phones, the effects of mobile phone dependence and addiction on individuals’ physical and mental health have attracted more and more attention. The present study aims to analyze the current state of mobile phone addiction and its impact on sleep quality within the population, while also exploring the influence of related factors on sleep quality. Ultimately, this research will provide a scientific foundation for targeted intervention measures and strategies. Methods: A total of 253 permanent residents in Nanjing were randomly selected as study subjects. The Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate the degree of smartphone addiction and sleep quality of the study subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was measured according to standardized procedures. Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, rank sum test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlation between mobile phone addiction and sleep quality, and P Results: 117 people (46.2%) were addicted to mobile phones. Chi-square test showed that the rate of mobile phone addiction in drinking group was significantly higher than that in non-drinking group (P P P P P P P P P P Conclusion: Mobile phone addiction may lead to shorter sleep duration and reduce sleep efficiency. The withdrawal of mobile phone addiction may have a negative impact on sleep quality. According to the characteristics of the population, appropriate comprehensive intervention measures should be taken to build an effective evaluation system, so as to reduce the impact of mobile phone addiction and withdrawal problems on sleep and improve sleep quality.

The Role of Impulsivity and Addiction in Gambling Behaviors: How Applied Neuroscience Research Can Help in the Monitoring and Management of Mental Health Issues

One in five Americans experience symptoms associated with at least one mental health disorder every year. These include behavioral addictions, which have long been overlooked despite their similar neural bases with substance addictions. Gambling addiction, a type of behavioral addiction, deserves particular attention given the significant negative effects, this addiction has on financial and interpersonal health. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature concerning the behavioral and neural processes involved in gambling addiction, including: the anticipation of reward, the role of dopamine, and the neural substrates of the decision-making processes involved in gambling addiction. Market research has also identified solutions that integrate applied neuroscience and self-tracking systems to monitor and manage mental health issues associated with gambling addiction. The authors then propose a gambling treatment-focused mobile app solution that addresses outstanding issues with a special design aimed at reversing plasticity in order to relieve the effects of gambling addiction. .

Associations between Social Media Use and Sleep Quality in China:Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Media Addiction

Sleep quality is closely linked to people’s health,and during the COVID-19 pandemic,the sleep patterns of residents in China were notably poor.The lockdown in China led to an increase in social media use,prompting questions about its impact on sleep.Therefore,this study investigates the association between social media use and sleep quality among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 outbreak,highlighting the potential mediating role of social media addiction.Data were collected via questionnaires through a cross-sectional survey with 779 valid responses.Variance analysis was used to test for differences in social media use among different demographic variables.Bivariate correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between variables,while regression analysis investigated the correlations between various media factors and sleep quality.Additionally,Bootstrap sampling was utilized to analyze the potential mediating influence of social media addiction in the relationship between social media use and sleep.The study's findings reveal a significant correlation between social media use,particularly before bedtime,and sleep quality(p<0.01),with pre-sleep activity notably linked to poorer overall sleep scores(β=0.141,p=0.004).Although the daily use of social media did not directly impact most individuals’sleep quality,specific platforms like news apps,short video apps,dating apps,and content community platforms were associated with higher levels of social media addiction,subsequently negatively affecting sleep quality.Specifically,the use of news apps(B=0.068,95%CI[0.000,0.019]),short video apps(B=0.112,95%CI[0.001,0.031]),dating apps(B=0.147,95%CI[0.000,0.028]),and content community platforms(B=0.106,95%CI[0.001,0.028])was found to increase the risk of social media addiction,subsequently leading to adverse effects on sleep quality.The study underscores a notable link between social media use and sleep quality,suggesting that mindful social media habits,particularly before bedtime,and reducing addiction-associated apps could enhance sleep quality.

Relationships among Sedentary Time,Electronic Product Addiction,and Depression in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Epidemic:A Cross-Lagged Study

Objective:This study was conducted to explore the relationships among sedentary behavior(SB),electronic product addiction(EPA),and depression(D)in adolescents during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:A total of 604 adolescents(including 309 girls and 295 boys aged 12-18)were selected from Qufu City,Shandong Province,China for three rounds of investigation.The model was constructed using AMOS 23.0 software,and cross-lagged analysis was conducted.Results:SB at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and EPA at T2(p<0.05).EPA at T1 can significantly positively predict SB and D at T2(p<0.05).Physical activity level and SB at T2 can significantly predict SB and EPA at T3(p<0.05).EPA at T2 can significantly predict SB,EPA,and D at T3(p<0.05).Conclusions:SB and EPA are predictive factors for D.Moreover,SB can significantly positively predict D and indirectly predict D through the mediating effect of EPA.

How Autonomy Support Environment Influences Student Online Game Addiction:The Mediating Roles of Academic Motivation and Academic Perseverance

Background:Online game addiction has become a serious global public health problem among adolescents.However,its influencing factors and mediating mechanisms remain ambiguous.Methods:The present study adopted stratified random sampling to collect 6146 junior high school student samples in China's Mainland.We used regression analysis,and Bootstrap mediation test through SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 to reveal the tendency of students’online game addiction with different background characteristics and whether autonomy support from parents and teachers can effectively reduce online game addiction.Results:The results showed that parental(β=−0.112,p<0.001)and teacher(β=−0.225,p<0.001)autonomy support were conducive to reducing students’online game addiction.Academic perseverance(β=−0.080,95%CI=[−0.103,−0.058])and academic motivation(β=−0.073,95%CI=[−0.095,−0.052])partially mediated the relationship between autonomy support and online game addiction.Conclusion:This result provides a theoretical basis for educational interventions.It suggests that strengthening autonomy support could enhance students’academic perseverance and motivation and further reduce online game addiction.This study utilized a cross-sectional research design,making it difficult to determine the causal relationship between autonomy support environment and online game addiction.

An Assessment on the Impact of Technological Addiction on Workplace Productivity: Case of the Public Sector in Zimbabwe

With the increasing integration of technology in modern workplaces, concerns have emerged regarding the addictive nature of technology and its potential consequences on employee productivity. This research aims to investigate the impact of technological addiction on workplace productivity within the public sector of Zimbabwe. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and a case study analysis, to examine the prevalence and effects of technological addiction in affecting productivity in the public sector of Zimbabwe. The findings indicate that excessive use of social media, and other digital distractions is a growing concern in the public sector, leading to decreased focus, missed deadlines, and strained teamwork. Factors such as unrestricted internet access, lack of clear usage policies, and inadequate self-regulation contribute to the problem The research outcomes also highlight the need for awareness and interventions to address social media addiction in the workplace, promote healthier technology use, and uphold productivity and employee well-being.

Examining the Hypothesis of Common Factors Shared by Different Addictive Behaviors and Gender Effects on Propensity to Addiction Type

Background: From the two facts reported by previous research: 1) frequent co-occurrence of more than one addictive behavior, 2) childhood adversities identified as origins of different types of addictive behaviors, it is assumed that all types of addictive behaviors, regardless of substance, behavioral, or relationship, share common factors which have not yet been proven by epidemiological research. The Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ) was previously developed to assess 16 types of addictive behaviors. Its factor structure, however, has not been fully investigated. Confirming the factor structure will enable us to hypothesize the common factor(s) shared by all, or if not all, most types of addictive behaviors. Aims: This study aimed at 1) examining the factor structure of the SPQ, 2) confirming the reliability of the questionnaire, and 3) examining the impacts of gender and age on each addictive behavior. Methods: Data obtained from 232 Japanese adults who completed all items of the SPQ were used for the analyses. After confirming the one-factor structure model for each of the 16 subscales, the validity of the one-factor structure of the SPQ was evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), by adapting 16 subscale scores as observed variables. If its validity was not confirmed, another model which showed better compatibility to the data was explored. The reliability of the SPQ as well as that of all 16 subscales was evaluated. Also, the impacts of gender and age on each subscale score were examined. Results: The one-factor structure for each of the 16 subscales was confirmed. The compatibility of the SPQ one-factor model was not acceptable. The best fit model was a bi-factor model in which one main factor was shared by all 16 subscales, and three factors were shared by some specific addictive behaviors. Male respondents were more likely than female respondents to show high scores in Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, Sex, and Recreational Drugs, and low scores only in Shopping. Respondents’ age did not impact any of the 16 subscale scores. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that there are common factors shared by all different types, as well as selected types of addictive behaviors, by conducting CFAs of the SPQ. Reliability was proven for the SPQ and for all 16 subscales. Male respondents were more likely to show physically hedonic addictive behaviors.

Resting-state electroencephalography theta predicts neurofeedback treatment 4-month follow-up response in nicotine addiction

Background The high rate of long-term relapse is a major cause of smoking cessation failure.Recently,neurofeedback training has been widely used in the treatment of nicotine addiction;however,approximately 30%of subjects fail to benefit from this intervention.Our previous randomised clinical trial(RCT)examined cognition-guided neurofeedback and demonstrated a significant decrease in daily cigarette consumption at the 4-month follow-up.However,significant individual differences were observed in the 4-month follow-up effects of decreased cigarette consumption.Therefore,it is critical to identify who will benefit from pre-neurofeedback.Aims We examined whether the resting-state electroencephalography(EEG)characteristics from pre-neurofeedback predicted the 4-month follow-up effects and explored the possible mechanisms.Methods This was a double-blind RCT.A total of 60 participants with nicotine dependence were randomly assigned to either the real-feedback or yoked-feedback group.They underwent 6 min closed-eye resting EEG recordings both before and after two neurofeedback sessions.A follow-up assessment was conducted after 4 months.Results The frontal resting-state theta power spectral density(PSD)was significantly altered in the real-feedback group after two neurofeedback visits.Higher theta PSD in the real-feedback group before neurofeedback was the only predictor of decreased cigarette consumption at the 4-month follow-up.Further reliability analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between theta PSD pre-neurofeedback and post-neurofeedback.A leave-one-out cross-validated linear regression of the theta PSD pre-neurofeedback demonstrated a significant correlation between the predicted and observed reductions in cigarette consumption at the 4-month follow-up.Finally,source analysis revealed that the brain mechanisms of the theta PSD predictor were located in the orbital frontal cortex.Conclusions Our study demonstrated changes in the resting-state theta PSD following neurofeedback training.Moreover,the resting-state theta PSD may serve as a prognostic marker of neurofeedback effects.A higher resting-state theta PSD predicts a better long-term response to neurofeedback treatment,which may facilitate the selection of individualised interventions.

Prevalence of social media addiction among nursing students

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and level of social media addiction among nursing students in the Faculty of Nursing,Cairo University.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross‑sectional research design was conducted on samples of 340 students at the Faculty of Nursing,Cairo University.Data were collected through demographic background information sheet and Social Networking Addiction Scale.Results:All the students were addicted as 6.76%were severely addicted and 60.59%and 32.65%were moderately and mildly addicted,respectively.Significant relations were found between social media addiction and students’age(χ^(2)=11.331,P=0.003),educational level(χ^(2)=20.239,P=0.003),and grade point average(χ^(2)=19.378,P=0.013).Conclusion:Internet addiction was prevalent among all students but at different levels,so early screening of students for Internet addiction using the Internet Addiction Scale is important to provide early treatment and prevent hazards to health.

Relationship between depression,smartphone addiction,and sleep among Chinese engineering students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND Existing research has demonstrated that depression is positively related to smartphone addiction, but the role of sleep has not been discussed thoroughly, especially among engineering undergraduates affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.AIM To evaluate sleep as a mediator of the association between smartphone addiction and depression among engineering undergraduates.METHODS Using a multistage stratified random sampling method, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 692 engineering undergraduates from a top engineering university in China, and data were collected by self-reported electronic questionnaires. The data included demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version(SAS-SV), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between smartphone addiction and depression, while structural equation models were established to evaluate the possible mediating role of sleep.RESULTS Based on the cutoffs of the SAS-SV, the rate of smartphone addiction was 63.58 percent, with 56.21 percent for women and 65.68 percent for men, among 692 engineering students. The prevalence of depression among students was 14.16 percent, with 17.65 percent for women, and 13.18 percent for men. Smartphone addiction was positively correlated with depression, and sleep played a significant mediating effect between the two, accounting for 42.22 percent of the total effect. In addition, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction significantly mediated the relationship between depression and smartphone addiction. The mediating effect of sleep latency was 0.014 [P < 0.01;95% confidence interval(CI): 0.006-0.027], the mediating effect of sleep disturbances was 0.022(P < 0.01;95%CI: 0.011-0.040), and the mediating effect of daytime dysfunction was 0.040(P < 0.01;95%CI: 0.024-0.059). The influence of sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction accounted for 18.42%, 28.95%, and 52.63% of the total mediating effect, respectively.CONCLUSION The results of the study suggest that reducing excessive smartphone use and improving sleep quality can help alleviate depression.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents–A Nationwide Study in Malaysia

Smartphone ownership among adolescents is getting common in this decade especially in Malaysia;Adolescent are strongly devoted to their smartphone and this may lead to smartphone addiction.Studies have reported that smartphone addiction has become an emerging social and health problem especially among the youth in many countries however there is lack of study among adolescents in Malaysia.This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with smartphone addiction among adolescents in Malaysia.This was a cross-sectional study involving adolescents from 15 primary care clinics throughout the country.Respondents were assessed on their smartphone activities using the Malaysian short version of the Smartphone addiction scale(SAS-M-SV).Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of smartphone addiction among adolescents.The study was conducted among 921 adolescents with 49.6%male(n=457).The mean age of adolescents was 16.4±2.4 years.The ethnicity distribution were 74.6%Malay,7.3%Chinese,4.7%Indian and 13.4%other ethnicities.The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 37.1%(342/921);37.4%in male and 36.9%in female.Based on multiple logistic regression analysis,longer duration of smartphone use per week was associated with higher odds of smartphone addiction among adolescent(odd ratio=1.005%,95%confidence interval=1.000–1.009,p-value=0.039).Smartphone addiction is present in nearly four in ten adolescents in Malaysia.Adolescents who spend longer duration in smartphone usage per week were associated with higher odds of having smartphone addiction.Parents should be more alert and vigilant about this finding.Hence,parents should limit their children from spending too much of time with smartphone in order to prevent their children from getting smartphone addiction.

Cybersex Addiction in Benin Schools (2023)

Introduction: The development of digital technology over the last few decades has facilitated access to websites and videos in the field of sexuality, eliminating many of the boundaries that were restrictive for some and protective for others. While this evolution has favored better information sharing, it has also precipitated the emergence of an entirely new phenomenon: cybersexuality. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate addiction to cybersexuality in schools in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in general, technical and vocational secondary schools in Parakou, northern Benin, from December 2022 to September 2023. A self-administered questionnaire integrating the “short Internet sex Addiction Test” (s-IATsex) scale was used to assess cybersexuality. Results: A total of 482 students participated in the study. The prevalence of problematic use of cybersexuality in Parakou schools was 11.4% according to the s-IATsex (Short Internet sex Addiction Test) scale. The average age of the students was 16.99 ± 2.16 years, with extremes of 11 and 30 years. The majority were in secondary school (67.8%). Factors associated with addiction to cybersexuality were: place of residence (OR = 0.164;p = 0.017), external genitalia discharge (OR = 5.37;p = 0.049), sexual partner (OR = 2.53;p = 0.010), access to pornographic sites (OR = 7.96;p < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 3.86;p = 0.001) and depression (OR = 2.75;p = 0.018). Conclusion: Approximately one pupil in 10 is addicted to cybersexuality at school in the town of Parakou/Parakou city, Benin. The multiple consequences of this addiction call for effective preventive actions aimed at vulnerable groups of pupils.

Tackling Addiction with Integrated Care

Addiction is recognised as one of the chronic illnesses, often leading to medical, psychological, economic, and social problems, making multi-dimensional care for these people within the existing system a challenge. This loads an already loaded primary and secondary care system. The Verslavingskoepel Kempen (VKK) is an initiative to answer this challenge as it aims to integrate the care provided by the zeroth to third-line care around addiction treatment. Zeroth refers to the care and support provided by the human context of the patients, such as family and peers. This extends the integrated care model that is suggested by the WHO. The aim of the dissertation is firstly, to identify the organizational aspects crucial for the success of the network. The Findings show that success is confirmed by participating local communities when highlighting the importance of the intramural connection between their community social services and professionals, hospitals, and experience holders. All interviewees recognize collateral and process leadership with resources emerging from different partners and without hierarchical management. The second aim considers whether success must be attributed to the instrumental organizational aspects of the collaboration or the values of the different caregivers. The Findings show that in this network the organizational aspects and the caregivers’ values are complementary. The third aim is to develop conclusions on the transferability of the network model. This is confirmed;however, the governmental policy is not accompanied by a funding system within the institutionalized remuneration and reimbursement structure. It makes the initiative dependent on the motivation of partner organizations to participate financially, raises doubt about the sustainability of the initiative, and sets conditions for as well as limitations on transferability.

Tackling Addiction with Integrated Care

Addiction is recognised as one of the chronic illnesses, often leading to medical, psychological, economic, and social problems, making multi-dimensional care for these people within the existing system a challenge. This loads an already loaded primary and secondary care system. The Verslavingskoepel Kempen (VKK) is an initiative to answer this challenge as it aims to integrate the care provided by the zeroth to third-line care around addiction treatment. Zeroth refers to the care and support provided by the human context of the patients, such as family and peers. This extends the integrated care model that is suggested by the WHO. The aim of the dissertation is firstly, to identify the organizational aspects crucial for the success of the network. The Findings show that success is confirmed by participating local communities when highlighting the importance of the intramural connection between their community social services and professionals, hospitals, and experience holders. All interviewees recognize collateral and process leadership with resources emerging from different partners and without hierarchical management. The second aim considers whether success must be attributed to the instrumental organizational aspects of the collaboration or the values of the different caregivers. The Findings show that in this network the organizational aspects and the caregivers’ values are complementary. The third aim is to develop conclusions on the transferability of the network model. This is confirmed;however, the governmental policy is not accompanied by a funding system within the institutionalized remuneration and reimbursement structure. It makes the initiative dependent on the motivation of partner organizations to participate financially, raises doubt about the sustainability of the initiative, and sets conditions for as well as limitations on transferability.

Social Networks as a Didactic Support to Prevent Addictions in Nursing Students

Health professionals and mainly nurses must be kept updated on context conditions where populations they have in charge, since this is the only way to maintain communication with those vulnerable groups avoiding barriers, there are topics of difficult approach such as the use and abuse of substances in adolescents, and currently adolescents communicate through social networks. We aimed to determine the influence of social networks as a pedagogic strategy in adolescents’ health education. Method: Qualitative and descriptive study with phenomenological design. Fifteen informants from nursing career participated, and selected by convenience. Data collection was through a semi-structured interview composed of 5 questions directed to informants, regarding their experience to make an informative video about use and abuse in adolescents;questions were about their experiences, found difficulties and any other element related with the making of the video, its spread, the login and acceptance that the audiovisual material had in social networks by students and the management of information with preventive goals. All final products were incorporated to a link where group members, as well as the student community, could revise the video and make comments, maintain a chat with others, and so on, a dynamic session of presentations on questions and comments was done. An informed consent was signed. Collected qualitative data were analyzed according to De Souza Minayo. Results: Three categories emerged with nine sub-categories, Category 1: Influence of social networks on students, sub-categories: 1.1) Perception about addictions, 1.2) Expectation on attention to addictions, 1.3) As educational strategy. Category 2: Experiences of students with social networks, sub-categories: 2.1) Motivates creativity, 2.2) Rescue learned skills and add others, 2.3) Motivates empathy. Category 3: Use of social networks by nurse students, sub-categories: 3.1) Constraint in videos production, 3.2) Advantage for spread in social networks, 3.3) Favors health education. Conclusion: Social networks are accepted and used by adolescents, they represent a recommendable pedagogic strategy as a way to inform, health education and prevention of use and abuse of legal and illegal substances in vulnerable groups, it is easy to access and is a good working tool for health professionals to help in prevent of this public health issue, and to keep and reach wider coverage in health education.