Social Media and Influence on Young People’s Health: A Study on Tanning Attitudes and Sun Protection in Spain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5294/pacla.2025.28.s1.1xKeywords:
Media literacy, misinformation, social media, TikTok, InstagramAbstract
In Spain, college students are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to their frequent exposure to harmful sun-related behaviors. In today’s world, where social media spreads misleading content quickly, public relations play a key role in fighting health misinformation through clear communication and reliable information. This study explores how social media influences young people’s attitudes toward tanning and sun protection. Understanding their mindset and the platforms they use helps create better communication strategies for these channels. A survey was conducted with 493 Spanish university students between October 2022 and March 2023. The results show that while students have some knowledge about sun protection, many still have positive attitudes toward tanning and are resistant to using sunscreen. Instagram and TikTok are the main platforms where they see content about tanning and sun exposure risks. Experts in skin cancer prevention should work on addressing the reasons young people avoid sunscreen and continue to raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and tanning through these popular platforms.
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Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Grant numbers PID2020-116487RB-100
