They say the media or cinema is explicitly the mirror of society. Whatever is shown on screen, has its roots in the real world. If we take a glance at the newest series or movies, there are two things extremely common. Sensual content and some kind of alcohol abuse- particularly smoking or vaping. It’s time for another battle- Vaping vs Smoking.
Smoking, and its later cousin Vaping, has increasingly grown popular among youth. Even after countless warnings, the rise in the usage of vapes is alarming.
The real question is, why is it so appealing to youth?
What is Vaping?
An electronic cigarette, often known as a “vape,” is a device that warms a liquid to produce vapor that you inhale. Vape Pens, e-cigarettes (like JUUL), and hookahs are a few examples of vaping equipment. There are still several health hazards associated with vaping, although it seems to be a healthier option than smoking cigarettes.
The aerosol that is inhaled when using a vaping device often contains nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other substances. They can resemble Cig-a-likes, cigars, pipes, or even everyday objects like pens or USB memory sticks.
The Battle Of Lungs- Vaping Vs Smoking
Many individuals feel that vaping is safer than smoking, but this isn’t always true, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Vaping may be dangerous, according to growing data.
Both smoking and vaping are harmful to people’s health. The evidence that is currently available suggests that smoking is more dangerous than vaping. This does not imply that vaping is secure, though.
Nicotine, which is known to delay brain development in fetuses, young children, and teenagers, can be found in high concentrations in e-cigarettes. Additionally, vaping releases harmful substances like diacetyl, chemicals that cause cancer, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Contrary to vaping, which is relatively new, allegations that smoking is harmful to human health are thoroughly supported by years of research. About 480,000 persons have lost of lives due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) every year in the United States.
There are more than 7,000 compounds in second-hand smoke. Around 70 of these hazardous substances are cancer-causing. While containing fewer toxins than cigarettes, according to the AHA, vaping liquids are not completely safe.
The difference between smoking and vaping is that smoking delivers nicotine by burning tobacco, which can cause smoking-related illnesses, and vaping can deliver nicotine by heating a liquid in a much less harmful way.
Reaching The Target
There are public service announcements, posters, and protests everywhere about smoking or vaping side effects everywhere. There is a slim chance of someone saying they haven’t ever come across such warnings.
So the real question is, how do these vape pens or other smoking techniques reach their targets? What makes these vapes so appealing that young people can’t seem to keep their hands off these nicotine bombs?
E-cigarette businesses boosted their investment from $6.4 million to $115 million between 2011 and 2014. E-cigarette use among high school students rose from 2% to 13% within the same period. Youth e-cigarette use may be increasing due to exposure to e-cigarette marketing. Roughly 69% of high school and middle school kids have seen advertisements for e-cigarettes in retail stores, online, in magazines and newspapers, or on TV and in movies.
These ads connect vapes and smoking in general to features and feeling appealing to youth. Emotions are the correct way to get to the hearts of young people. These ads associate vapes with a strong emotional appeal like happiness, friendships, good college life, success, and even “being cool.”
What happens is young people are exposed to these commercials and ads and cigarette companies take advantage of their impressionable minds. Instilling the idea that one can achieve certain things with the use of these vapes. They will be popular and they will have a bigger social circle.
Vaping As An Aid To Quitting?
Many are under an impression that vapes provide a lesser percentage of nicotine while giving the same burn one would feel through cigarettes. While e-cigarette companies frequently promote their products as an effective way to stop smoking, the FDA does not accept this claim (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). E-cigarettes have not been approved as a smoking cessation aid because insufficient data is demonstrating their efficacy in assisting smokers to quit.
A survey discovered that 80% of smokers who switched to e-cigarettes as a start to quitting smoking continue to use them even a year later. In other words, the decision to transition to e-cigarettes is simply an attempt to replace the addiction with a behavior that is seen as more fashionable.
Quitting Cigarettes
If you are someone going through or want to start the process of quitting, you should know that it is never too late. No addiction is stronger than your willpower. You can approach resources for help and can achieve your goals in no time!
“Replacing the smoke on your face with a smile today will replace illness in your life with happiness tomorrow. Quit now. Eliminate tobacco from your life before it kills you! We need to burn calories daily, not tobacco!”
