Introduction

Recent research led by experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has raised alarm bell over alcohol industry-funded apps, claiming to offer guidance on reducing alcohol consumption. The study found that these apps might be using covert 'misinformation strategies' that not only omit crucial health information but could also inadvertently encourage users to increase their alcohol intake.

Research Overview

This groundbreaking study, published in the journal Health Promotion International, is the first of its kind to scrutinize the digital tools backed by the alcohol industry, including popular platforms like Drinkaware, Drinkwise, Cheers!, and Educ'Alcool. The researchers conducted a comparative analysis focusing on 15 apps funded by the alcohol sector against 10 national government-endorsed tools designed for public health, such as the UK’s NHS app, Drink Free Days, alongside similar tools from Ireland, the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Findings

Shockingly, all but one of the industry-funded apps failed to deliver accurate information regarding the risks associated with alcohol consumption, often obscuring or diluting vital data. These deceptive apps, dubbed 'dark apps' by the researchers, manipulate users’ understanding of alcohol-related hazards in ways that are clinically harmful but commercially beneficial.

The study's data unveiled a stark contrast in messaging: industry-funded apps were a staggering three times less likely to inform users about the heightened risk of cancer linked to alcohol, with only 33% giving this critical information compared to 90% for apps backed by public health organizations. Alarmingly, merely 53% of these apps made users aware of standard drink sizes, 60% communicated weekly consumption limits, and only 40% alerted users who should entirely avoid alcohol, such as pregnant individuals.

Examples of Misleading Messaging

The study also spotlighted concerning messaging from these apps, such as: - "In Ireland, binge drinking is often seen as normal—74% of adults believe excessive drinking is just part of the culture." (Drinkaware Ireland) - "Keep safe and social by limiting yourself to one standard drink per hour." (Cheers!) - "Moderate drinking can sometimes be linked to a lower risk of certain diseases." (Éduc'alcool)