These can prevent users from getting an accurate picture of their health and can nudge people towards continuing to drink, academics suggested. The study identified contradictory messaging that could increase alcohol consumption on six industry-backed tools, while alcohol was framed as normal and social on seven industry tools and one non-industry tool. Industry-backed platforms included information on the likes of mental health problems caused by alcohol, or social consequences such as missed work days. However, non-industry backed tools included these harms and more, such as the risk of physical or psychological harm like brain damage or addiction. Elsewhere, some tools, such as the Drinkaware unit calculator, misled users by suggesting only drinking above “binge levels” was harmful, researchers said.

Source: The Herald October 10, 2024 23:21 UTC