JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The media has immense power in shaping public narratives surrounding sensitive topics like substance use. Its portrayals can unintentionally fuel harmful stereotypes and stigma, negatively impacting individuals struggling with addiction, influencing policy decisions, and hindering broader public health efforts.

Objective:

This study examines how the regional newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, has covered events relating to illicit drug-use over time to highlight linguistic patterns and themes associated with specific types of substances.

Methods:

We collected a dataset of 157k articles published in the Philadelphia Inquirer over a ten-year period and analyzed articles that mention at least one commonly abused substance (4k). Using Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) methods, we extracted the most significant phrases mentioned in each distinct drug class on an annual basis and examined the sentiments around these aspects to provide insights into the shifting discourse within these articles over time.

Results:

Our analysis revealed that cannabis and narcotics were the most frequently discussed drug classes. Through our topic modeling approach, we unveiled that the predominant themes in drug-related discussions encompassed crime, legislative matters, medical considerations, and elements of pop culture. Our ABSA analysis highlighted that the majority of the extracted aspects were portrayed negatively within each drug class, reflecting a more punitive and stigmatizing portrayal in these news articles. Our study also unveiled shifts in the sentiment surrounding recurring aspects within certain drug classes over the years, indicating their evolution in response to changing political perspectives and the impact of real-world events on news coverage.

Conclusions:

Negative portrayals and punitive language in news outlets can fuel public stigma and discrimination towards individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This work sheds light on the predominant aspects surrounding associated with difference drug classes over a ten-year period, highlighting the lack of language that aligns with harm-reduction principles.