An Exploratory Study On The Influence Of Song Lyrics Referencing Marijuana, Heroin, And/Or Ecstasy: Perceptions Of Maryland College Students
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Date
2015
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Program
Master of Arts
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This item is made available by Morgan State University for personal, educational, and research purposes in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Other uses may require permission from the copyright owner.
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Abstract
The primary focus of this study was to gauge the attitudes of college students about the impact of marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy song lyrics on use of one or more of these drugs. The author created an online survey for Maryland college and university students 18 years of age and older; there were 125 participants. Most respondents perceived that song lyrics with references to marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy have no influence on their use of one or more of these drugs. Most students agreed that teenagers are more likely to be influenced to use marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy after listening to one or more of these references in song lyrics, but disagreed on this influence for young adults. The research concluded that adolescents are perceived to be more likely to use marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy because of the influence of song lyrics referencing one or more of these drugs. The perceptions of Maryland college students are important in establishing a link between direct exposure to illicit drug song lyrics and actual illicit drug usage among these demographic groups.