Becoming a nitrous oxide user on social media: Learning to maximise pleasures and minimise harms

Original research
by
MacLean, Sarah J et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

In this paper, we identify nitrous oxide (N2O) users’ key concerns about how to maximise pleasures and minimise harms, as expressed on the social media platform Reddit. In doing so, we consider what learning about N2O online might mean for the provision of drug education in an era of internet technology.

Findings/Key points

In contrast to official health resources, the subreddit offers members practical advice on harm reduction. It provides opportunities for users of N2O to position themselves as playful, informed and caring curators of drug use pleasures. We highlight the need for those formulating drug education to engage with the knowledge, practices and identities that emerge within internet-mediated social worlds.

Design/methods

Analysis of 655 Reddit threads dedicated to N20 use

Keywords

About PWUD
Harm reduction
Digital health