Posting Post-Blackout: A Qualitative Examination of the Positive and Negative Valence of Tweets Posted after “Blackout” Drinking

Abstract

Alcohol-induced memory loss (i.e., blackout) is a consequence of drinking that is both common and associated with additional negative outcomes. The goal of the present study was to use publicly available Twitter data to better understand cognitions and emotions following blackouts. Tweets containing key terms (e.g., “black out”) were collected over 4 days in 2018. Using NVivo software, we coded all post-blackout Tweets for valence (positive, negative, neutral). Within each valence category, we reviewed Tweets to identify themes. Among Tweets coded with a positive valence, themes included pride in blacking out, pride in ability to function despite blackouts, blackouts as a shared social experience, and overall positive views of a drinking experience despite blackouts. Among Tweets coded with a negative valence, themes included the experience of other negative consequences on blackout nights, blackouts as unexpected/unplanned, blackouts as motivator of change, and blackout-related negative emotions. Additionally, Tweeters expressed pride in avoiding blackouts during drinking events. Findings provide insight into why not all individuals describe blackouts negatively, by analyzing specific statements made in a public forum following a blackout. Such insight may inform interventions targeting those who report this risky outcome of drinking, including those that could be delivered via social media.

Data Availability Statement

Data are available from the first author upon request.

Declaration of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this research.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported via training support provided by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to Jennifer E. Merrill (K01AA022938).