About

Allison Lazard is an Associate Professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, where she specializes in health communication with a focus on how visual design influences message perception in digital environments. Her research aims to develop effective health messages that promote social connectedness and well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young adults from marginalized backgrounds. Lazard's work involves designing and deploying social media messages to encourage in-person social interactions, leveraging her expertise in communication science to ensure messages are relevant, engaging, and impactful. She is a key collaborator in a research project led by Barbara Fredrickson, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, which investigates how social media messages can reduce social isolation and improve health outcomes. Lazard contributed to the creation of a controlled social media environment called 'clikbrite,' enabling large-scale, reproducible trials to study the causal effects of digital health campaigns without the risks associated with real social media platforms. Her efforts are part of a broader initiative to address the health consequences of loneliness and social isolation, which include increased risks for premature death, heart disease, stroke, and mental health issues. Lazard's interdisciplinary work exemplifies the application of communication science to public health challenges, aiming to foster social connections and improve quality of life through innovative messaging strategies.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Medicine
• Political Science
• Social psychology
• Internet privacy
• Psychiatry
• Demography
• Computer Security
• Developmental psychology
• Advertising
• World Wide Web
• Environmental health
• Pedagogy
• Food science
• Virology
• Nursing
• Multimedia
• Cognitive psychology
• Business
• Communication
• Law
• Gender studies

Selected publications

• Terms young people use to describe unwanted sexual experiences

  Communication Research Reports · 2026-04-13

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Toddler milk: a scoping review of research on consumption, perceptions, and marketing practices

  UNC Libraries · 2026-04-22

  articleOpen access

  Toddler milk is an ultra-processed beverage consisting primarily of powdered milk, caloric sweeteners, and vegetable oil. Pediatric health authorities do not support the use of toddler milk, and emerging evidence suggests that toddler-milk marketing practices may mislead consumers. However, studies have not synthesized the extent of toddler-milk marketing practices or how these practices affect parents' decisions about whether to serve toddler milk. We aimed to summarize the literature about toddler milk to identify what is known about: (1) parents' toddler-milk purchasing and feeding behaviors, (2) toddler-milk marketing, and (3) how marketing practices influence parents' beliefs and perceptions about toddler milk. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), we systematically searched 8 databases (PubMed, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Central, Embase, CINAHL, Communication & Mass Media Complete, and Business Source Premier). We identified 45 articles about toddler milk. Studies were conducted in 25 countries across 6 continents. Five types of findings emerged: (1) consumption and feeding behaviors, (2) demographic correlates of toddler-milk purchasing and consumption, (3) misperceptions and beliefs, (4) increased sales, and (5) increased marketing and responses to marketing. The included articles suggested that toddler-milk sales are growing rapidly worldwide. Findings also revealed that toddler-milk packages (eg, labels, branding) resemble infant formula packages and that toddler-milk marketing practices may indirectly advertise infant formula. Purchasing, serving, and consumption of toddler milk were higher in Black and Hispanic populations than in non-Hispanic White populations, and parents with higher educational attainment and income were more likely to offer toddler milk to their children. Findings suggest a need for policies to prevent cross-marketing of toddler milk and infant formula, reduce provision of toddler milk to infants and toddlers, and prevent caregivers from being misled about toddler-milk healthfulness.

  PublisherDOI

• Health claims about cannabidiol (CBD) at the point-of-sale in three U.S. states with disparate cannabis policies

  UNC Libraries · 2026-04-23

  articleOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• New alcohol warnings outperform the current U.S. warning in a national survey experiment

  Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs · 2025-09-22

  article

  Objective: To identify which topics for alcohol warnings most motivate people to reduce their drinking and best inform them of alcohol’s harms. Methods: A nationally representative sample US adults (n=1,036) aged ≥21 years who drink alcohol completed an online survey in September–October 2024. Participants viewed 10 messages (one control message and nine warning messages) in random order. The nine warning messages were the current US warning plus eight new warning topics (e.g., colorectal cancer, dementia). Participants rated each message on the extent to which it encouraged them to drink less alcohol (perceived message effectiveness, 1–5 scale, primary outcome), the extent to which it reminded them of the harms of alcohol consumption (1–5 scale), and whether they learned something new. Results: Compared to control, all nine warning topics were perceived as more effective (range of predicted means: 1.93–2.66 for warnings vs. 1.35 for control, ps<.001), better reminded participants of alcohol’s harms (range of predicted means: 2.33–3.15 for warnings vs. 1.40 for control, ps<.001), and were more likely to help participants learn something new (range of predicted probabilities: 18%–54% for warnings vs. 14% for control, ps<.05). All new warning topics except for drinking guidelines were perceived as more effective than the current US warning (ps<.001). Among new warning topics, cancer, dementia, liver disease, and hypertension showed the most promise. Conclusions: New alcohol warnings are a promising strategy for informing people and encouraging them to drink less, especially warnings focused on cancer, dementia, liver disease, or hypertension.

  PublisherDOI

• Perceptions of a Menthol Cigarette Ban: Focus Group Study With US Adults who Smoke Menthol Cigarettes

  American Journal of Health Promotion · 2025-10-17

  articleOpen access

  PurposeThis study examined perceptions of a proposed US menthol cigarette ban among adults who smoke menthol cigarettes.DesignFocus group discussions.SettingVirtual focus groups with 7-9 participants each.Participants50 US adults (age 21+) who currently smoke menthol cigarettes participated in six focus groups: two with Black participants; two lesbian, gay, or bisexual participants; and two general population groups.MethodsEach 90-minute session was audio-recorded and transcribed. We used qualitative thematic analyses to examine participants' views on reasons for the ban and its potential impact on tobacco use, with a focus on differences across the three identity-based groups.ResultsMany participants, across all group types, believed the ban aimed to protect youth and future generations due to menthol's appeal and higher addictiveness. Some viewed the ban as government overreach, racially targeted, and economically or politically motivated. Several indicated they would seek menthol cigarettes through illicit markets that might emerge post-ban. Some considered switching to non-menthol cigarettes, vapes, or marijuana. However, several felt the ban could help them reduce smoking and quit entirely, citing non-menthol cigarettes' lower appeal and concerns about vaping's addictiveness and harms. Black participants expressed specific concerns about over-policing, racial profiling, community safety, and potential increases in crime related to menthol access.ConclusionsConcerns about over-policing and targeted enforcement align with tobacco industry narratives, illustrating the pervasiveness of negative industry messaging. Findings underscore the importance of proactive communication about the ban's public health goals, while addressing community concerns about policing and racial equity.

  PublisherDOI

• Narrative Vs. Standard of Care Messages: Testing How Communication Can Positively Influence Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

  UNC Libraries · 2025-11-13

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face a variety of challenges in disease management, and many struggle to achieve optimal glycemic control. Health communication through didactic messaging about the importance of self-management is a commonly used strategy for this population, but narratives have been underutilized. The purpose of this study was to determine if narratives would provide a better tool to improve disease management for adolescents overcoming T1D-specific issues. Adolescent ages 12-17 (N&nbsp;=&nbsp;191) were enrolled in an online experiment and viewed sets of narratives or standard of care messages. Outcomes were broken into three categories: message evaluation, specifically perceived message effectiveness (PME), and positive emotional reactions; beliefs such as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and stress and burnout perceptions, and behaviors including disease management and interpersonal communication. Narratives did not significantly outperform standard of care messages, but both message types scored high on PME and other outcomes. We conclude that both narrative and didactic formats may offer utility for healthcare providers working with adolescents, in that narratives provide stories that may inspire positive emotions while standard of care messages provide the necessary clinical information needed to set goals for self-management.

  PublisherDOI

• Perceived risks, reasons for use, and barriers to cessation among youth who use multiple tobacco products

  UNC Libraries · 2025-12-02

  articleOpen access

  Background Many interventions aim to reduce youth tobacco use, but few have focused on youth who use multiple tobacco products (MTPs). This qualitative study sought to understand how youth who use MTPs view tobacco product risks, describe reasons for MTP use, and perceive barriers and facilitators to cessation. Methods We conducted seven virtual focus groups with 30 US youth ages 14&ndash;20 years who reported using e-cigarettes and smoking a combustible tobacco product in the past 30 days. We used a semi-structured focus group guide to ask youth about perceived health risks of tobacco products, reasons for MTP use, and thoughts about quitting. We conducted a thematic analysis of transcripts. Results The mean age of participants was 18.7 years; 47% identified as white. Most participants were female (63%) and lesbian, gay, or bisexual (63%). Three central themes emerged: 1) uncertainty or misperceptions about e-cigarettes were common, including what ingredients they contain, whether they are tobacco products, and their harm relative to cigarettes; 2) convenience and social factors were mentioned as reasons for using MTPs, rather than using e-cigarettes to quit cigarettes; 3) barriers to cessation included nicotine dependence (especially to e-cigarettes) and environmental factors, while cessation resources were rarely mentioned. Conclusions These findings suggest that educational interventions to reduce youth MTP use could focus on correcting misperceptions about e-cigarettes and communicating the harms of combustible tobacco use. Furthermore, behavioral interventions could capitalize on peer and social support while acknowledging unique barriers resulting from MTP use, such as high nicotine dependence.

  PublisherDOI

• Development and Testing of Waterpipe Tobacco Text and Pictorial Warnings Among Young Adults in the United States

  Nicotine & Tobacco Research · 2025-08-12

  article

  INTRODUCTION: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is associated with health harms, yet the United States requires only a single text warning. METHODS: We developed 30 text warnings, across 12 health themes, based on scientific evidence and expert input. Text warnings were tested in an online survey among a national convenience sample of US young adults (18-29, Study 1). We then selected six text warnings and paired each with three images, creating 18 pictorial warnings that were tested in an online survey among a second national convenience sample of US young adults (18-29, Study 2). RESULTS: Study 1 had 822 participants (33% past-year WTS, 43.6% susceptible, 23.5% not susceptible). Text warnings performed similarly, and there were no differences across themes on perceived message effectiveness (PME) (Means = 3.59-3.79), learning (Means = 2.71-2.91), or cognitive elaboration (Means = 3.48-3.68). There were differences between user groups for PME (F1,2 = 32.26, p < .05), cognitive elaboration (F1,2 = 32.26, p < .05), and learning (F1,2 = 9.53, p < .05); yet differences did not vary by theme. Study 2 had 902 participants (33.5% past-year WTS, 33.4% susceptible, 33.2% not susceptible). We found significant differences in PME, emotional reactions, and visual-verbal congruency between the three pictorial warnings tested for each text warning; however, ratings were similar across user groups. We selected the most promising pictorial warning for each corresponding text warning. CONCLUSIONS: Text warnings covering a range of health harms may be effective and should be considered by the US Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, the United States and other countries should consider utilizing pictorial warnings to further enhance comprehension and potential effectiveness in discouraging WTS. IMPLICATIONS: We developed and tested text and pictorial warnings that could be used to communicate the harms of WTS to young adults in the United States, who have the highest rates of WTS. A wide range of text warning statements was found to elicit moderately high ratings of perceived message effectiveness and cognitive elaboration. A more comprehensive set of text warnings could provide further understanding of the harms of WTS. Moreover, pictorial warnings could further enhance comprehension of health harms and potentially discourage WTS.

  PublisherDOI

• Waterpipe Tobacco Warnings: An Experimental Study Among a Nationally Representative Sample of US Young Adults

  UNC Libraries · 2025-11-13

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Waterpipe tobacco (WT) smoking by young adults remains high and misperceptions are common. Product warnings can increase knowledge of harms and reduce use. The goal of this study was to test warning statements, including the FDA-required nicotine warning (prior to implementation), on young adults' thinking about harms of and discouragement from WT smoking. METHODS: We conducted a between-subjects experiment in a nationally representative telephone survey of 1152 young adults aged 18-29. Participants were randomly assigned to hear one of five warning statements and reported how much, on a 4-point scale, the warning made them think about the harms and discouraged them from WT smoking. RESULTS: The sample was 36.8% female, 57.8% white, 20.2% Black, 24.1% Hispanic, with a mean age of 23.2 (SE = 0.25). Under half (43.5%) had ever smoked WT. There were significant differences among the statements on both thinking about harms (p &lt; .0001) and discouragement (p &lt; .0001). The FDA-required "nicotine" warning led to the lowest thinking about harms (M = 2.85, SE = 0.08) and was the least discouraging (M = 2.86, SE = 0.08), while the "100 cigarettes" warning resulted in the greatest thinking about harms (M = 3.62, SE = 0.05) and was the most discouraging (M = 3.56, SE = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The nicotine warning resulted in the lowest levels of thinking about harms and discouragement from WT smoking, suggesting limited impact. However, a warning focused on comparing smoke inhalation from WT smoking to cigarettes seems promising. Warnings should cover a broad range of WT health effects, and possibly comparisons to cigarettes. Findings also have implications for the content of international waterpipe warnings. IMPLICATIONS: This study indicates that the nicotine warning is the least effective at making young adults think about the harms of and discouraging WT smoking. The FDA and other countries should consider requiring warnings to cover a broader range of health harms, misperceptions, and possibly comparisons to cigarettes.

  PublisherDOI

• Consumer engagement with the US alcohol health warning: A nationally representative study

  Addictive Behaviors · 2025-12-14

  article
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Marissa G. Hall

  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  41 shared

• Michael Mackert

  The University of Texas at Austin

  39 shared

• Seth M. Noar

  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  38 shared

• Jennifer Cornacchione Ross

  Boston University

  33 shared

• Noel T. Brewer

  26 shared

• Kurt M. Ribisl

  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  25 shared

• Erin L. Sutfin

  Wake Forest University

  24 shared

• Anna H. Grummon

  Stanford University

  21 shared

Labs

• Allison Lazard LabPI