While there is no denying that electronic cigarettes use is increasing among young people, there is disagreement over how much harm e-cigarette usage will cause. Advocates for tobacco control and public health are concerned that electronic cigarettes could act as a “gateway” to combustible tobacco products and increase teenage dual tobacco usage and nicotine addiction. On the other hand, e-cigarette supporters see them as an important harm-reduction tool for current smokers.
What are electronic cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes (or “e-cigarettes”) are gadgets that vapor a nicotine solution when the user inhales, activating an element. Teenagers are quickly adopting e-cigarettes as a habit despite the lack of studies on the implications on health and safety,
4 reasons why youngsters use electronic cigarettes
electronic cigarettes are marketed in the media as a healthier, more stylish alternative to cigarettes, which is consistent with this viewpoint. Adolescents and young adults may find it difficult to make sense of the contradictory messages regarding the benefits and potential risks of e-cigarettes.
Cost-effective
Vaping is far less expensive than smoking. Australia has the most expensive cigarette costs in the world and starting in September 2018, 2019, and 2020, the tobacco tax will increase by 12.5% per year. The annual cost of smoking for a pack-a-day cigarette (20 cigarettes of the top brand) is $10,580.
The type of vaping device and the amount of vaping affect the cost of vaping. These are some typical prices for buying gadgets and nicotine e-liquid.
- Typical vaping equipment prices range from $35 to $50.
- In Australia, a 30ml bottle of nic liquid for refillable devices costs $20. An average vaper uses 50 bottles, or 1,460 ml, of e-liquid every year, or 4 ml per day. Replacement pods are $3–6 and typically provide 200–300 puffs.
Vaping costs $1,150 annually (refillable tank); disposable vaping may cost slightly higher, but it is still cheaper than the daily cigarette option.
Multiple flavors
There are several flavors of electronic cigarettes. Disposable e-cigarettes continue to be purchased in sweet or fruity tastes. Flavored e-liquids for rechargeable devices are still available for purchase in vape shops. However, the majority of such disposable e-cigarettes cost less than non-disposable ones and have the same amount of nicotine as some well-liked pods.
Social media’s effects
It appears likely that opinions about e-cigarettes, and consequently young people’s decision to start using them, are influenced by factors such as the pervasive marketing of electronic cigarettes through social media (e.g., Twitter and YouTube) as a seductive and risk-free substitute for nicotine cigarettes, the appeal of the “high tech” nature of e-cigarettes, and the availability of many flavors in the absence of clear negative health messages about them (e.g., fruit and candy).
The disposable vape is most likely a result of the recent rise in popularity of electronic cigarettes with USB flash drive shapes. Some electronic cigarettes now emit very little aroma and less aerosol, making it considerably simpler to use them inside without being seen. People can take a few puffs and immediately put the tobacco back in their pockets. And as more children vape, it becomes a more common practice among teenagers, increasing the possibility that more children will give it a try.
Easily usable and accessible
Young individuals desire to attempt vaping because they watch a family member or friend using it to practice amazing vaping techniques, such as creating large clouds or tasting the flavors. When most teenagers use an e-cigarette for the first time, they also tend to use flavored liquid electronic cigarettes longer.
In reality, Australian law prohibits the direct promotion and advertising of tobacco and electronic cigarettes, but businesses nonetheless utilize various online marketing strategies to entice youngsters to use their products.
These strategies include paying influencers to advertise their goods via social media platforms, placing product placement on streaming services, and supporting front groups that push for the relaxation of usage and availability limits.
Conclusion
These factors may make it difficult for young people who already use e-cigarettes to quit. We don’t know how much these messages influence young people’s electronic cigarettes to use or abstinence. It can be helpful to have a better knowledge of the factors that influence young people’s decisions to try to cease using e-cigarettes.