CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Social media monitoring as a tool for
advocacy: Analyzing advertisements for
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and
e-cigarettes in Germany
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German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
Publication date: 2024-10-17
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2024;10(Supplement 1):A27
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
In Germany, tobacco products and e-cigarettes are prohibited from being advertised on TV, radio, print, and the Internet. Despite this, advertisements for these products can still be found on social media platforms.
Objectives:
This study aims to monitor advertising for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) on social media and analyze the portrayed advertisements to advocate for better enforcement of the legislation.
Methods:
The study used the online media monitoring tool Meltwater to extract posts from June to September related to Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and from May to June for e-cigarettes on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok. Search criteria were established, results were restricted to the German language, and posts were categorized according to their origin, subject, and message.
Results:
Despite the ban on advertising for HTPs and e-cigarettes, social media platforms still display posts encouraging the use of these products and showing commercial offers. The study results are a valuable tool for advocacy for tobacco control.
Conclusions:
Despite the ban on advertising for HTPs and e-cigarettes, social media platforms still display posts encouraging the use of these products and showing commercial offers. The results of the study are a valuable tool for advocacy for tobacco control.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
FUNDING
Funding is not provided.