Abstract
By using artificial intelligence–generated images with varying visual intensity, this experiment compared general versus cancer‐specific alcohol–cancer risk messages among moderate and heavy alcohol consumers. Graphic, cancer‐specific messages elicited the strongest receptivity and intentions to reduce or stop drinking, particularly among moderate drinkers, highlighting the promise of artificial intelligence–generated health messaging and the need for audience‐centered communication strategies. Many people in the United States are unaware that drinking alcohol increases the risk of several cancers.This study tested different ways of communicating the alcohol–cancer link, including text‐only messages, messages with artificial intelligence–generated images (neutral or graphic), and general versus cancer‐specific content; in addition, the authors examined whether responses differed between moderate drinkers and heavy drinkers.The authors observed that messages with images were more effective than those with text alone, especially when the images clearly showed health harm.Messages that named specific cancers (such as breast or colon cancer) were also more effective than general statements about cancer; however, heavy drinkers, who face the highest cancer risk, were less responsive overall.The findings suggest that effective alcohol–cancer communication should carefully consider what the message says, how it is presented, and who the audience is.Nonstigmatizing, harm‐reduction messages that encourage small, realistic changes and are delivered in supportive settings, such as conversations with health care providers, may work better for heavy drinkers.The study also highlights the promise of artificial intelligence as a tool for developing and tailoring health messages.Future research should explore how different messages influence behavior over time.