Benefits Only versus Benefits and Risks: How E-Cigarette Information Influences Young Adults' Perceptions in Thailand

Poster Description This study examined how social media information about e-cigarettes influences young adults’ perceptions in Thailand. A randomized study involving 244 undergraduate students compared exposure to benefits-only information with balanced information presenting both benefits and risks. Participants evaluated their perceptions across 12 items before and after exposure. Significant differences were observed between the two groups across all 12 perception items (p<0.05). Students exposed to benefits-only information developed more favorable perceptions of e-cigarettes, whereas those receiving balanced information showed greater awareness of potential risks. These findings highlight the importance of balanced, evidence-based health communication on social media to support informed decision-making and reduce misleading perceptions of e-cigarettes among young adults.