Reddit and TikTok - with the help of AI - are reshaping how researchers understand substance use

Chatter in social media communities sheds light on a hidden population of substance users.

By: Layla Bouzoubaa, Drexel University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 14, 2026

Words: 1,330

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Layla Bouzoubaa, Drexel University

When you think of tools for studying substance use and addiction, a social media site like Reddit, TikTok or YouTube probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet the stories shared on social media platforms are offering unprecedented insights into the world of substance use.

In the past, researchers studying peoples’ experiences with addiction relied mostly on clinical observations and self-reported surveys. But only about 5% of people …

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