The role of cartoon humor in the context of addictology efforts for the prevention of alcohol and tobacco use

BackgroundAlthough the effect of humor can vary depending on the specific cultural and individual context, satire has an undeniable role in shaping thoughts and opinions. Its strength lies in the ability to present certain content inan entertaining and accessible manner, leading to the attraction of attention and increasing the memorability of the message.
Methods
Content analysis of a series of ten archival volumes of selected Czechoslovak satirical-humorous magazine (the Weekly Dikobraz).Quantitative and qualitative examination of texts (anecdotes) and visual accompaniments (cartoon humor) focused on the Identification of content with an Addictionology theme (specifically addressing or depicting the consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco).
Results
It appears that humor has the capacity to, on one hand, easily challenge and complicate addictionology efforts and endeavors to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or other addictive substances, as it often can (both covertly and openly) trivialize and belittle their consumption. On the other hand, humor has the potential to act as an auxiliary (supportive) means of criticizing, admonishing, and pillorying the consumption of alcoholic drinks, nicotine, or other addictive substances by highlighting the negative consequences of their use.
ConclusionsContent analysis enables a better understanding of social interactions and the impact of the content of published anecdotes and cartoon humor on the addictionology efforts to reduce the use of addictive substances. This contribution is in no way a call for regulation and limitation of humor - that would be impractical, nonsensical, and ultimately highly counterproductive. A more purposeful approach would be to consider the possibility of enlisting cartoon humor authors to support and contribute to advertising and other campaigns aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.