Pregaming in the digital age: drinking before joining a virtual social event with friends or family among university students

Some university students report drinking before joining virtual social events (VSEs). This practice is akin to pregaming (i.e., drinking before attending a social event), which is associated with increased alcohol use. The social context of VSEs may influence alcohol use such that students engage in greater alcohol consumption before VSEs with friends (versus family). Thus, we investigated (a) the proportion of students drinking before joining VSEs with friends or family, the frequency of this behavior, the typical number of drinks consumed, and (b) the association between virtual pregaming motives and typical number of drinks consumed before attending VSEs with friends versus family. During COVID-19, undergraduates (N = 230; M_age= 21.58; female = 69.06%; White = 46.1%; Hispanic = 41.7%) completed an online survey (Spring/Summer 2021). Results indicated that among students who drank before a VSE, a higher percentage reported drinking before VSEs with friends (89.1%) compared to with family (45.7%). On average and in both contexts, this behavior occurred monthly, and typically three drinks were consumed. Hierarchical regression indicated more frequent social/enhancement-motivated drinking (e.g., to have fun, become more social or intoxicated) was associated with consuming more drinks before joining VSEs with friends. Additionally, social ease/stress-motivated drinking (e.g., to reduce stress, anxiety, or awkwardness) was associated with consuming more drinks before joining VSEs with both friends and family. As virtual social interaction increases in popularity, future research could explore how VSEs impact students’ alcohol use during the VSE and whether they are at increased risk for negative consequences.