Promotion of a Smokeless Tobacco Accessory Product on Social Media

Audience: Health educators at health departments and non-profit organizations interested in addressing tobacco industry influences in social media. Key Points: Tobacco advertising has been linked to youth uptake of tobacco use. Public health advocates have previously sought to address the issue of tobacco industry influences in media through regulation of tobacco advertising in magazines and billboards, and reducing product placement in movies and on TV. However, few regulations exist for the promotion of tobacco and accessory products in online social media. This study found evidence that Mud Jug, Inc., a moist snuff spittoon company, has a strong presence on YouTube, a website with high youth viewership. A Mud Jug, Inc. representative has posted videos on the website and commented encouragingly on videos of youth and young adults using smokeless tobacco. The company has also used YouTube to connect with consumers and send them free Mud Jug paraphernalia. Educational Experience: Key points will be presented in a poster with both text and pictorial content. The poster will include a summary of current regulations in tobacco advertising and YouTubeŐs stated policy regarding videos of youth tobacco use, as well as a description of the Mud Jug, Inc. YouTube account, videos, and social networking with smokeless tobacco users. The poster will also include screen shots of Mud Jug, Inc.Ős YouTube videos and text comments on smokeless usersŐ videos. Benefits: The poster will inform health educators about tobacco industry presence in social media, a new avenue for influence on youth uptake of tobacco.