In 2018 it was reported that 20.9% of 12 graders used e-cigarettes, compared to a reported 11% of 12th graders in 2017.
But why is the popularity of e-cigarettes on the rise?
Some factors include the marketing of flavors, relatively easy accessibility, and the belief that e-cigarettes are less harmful than other forms of smoking, like regular cigarettes.
Can you think of other reasons why the use of e-cigarettes is on an upward trend? Are e-cigarettes really less harmful?
Feel free to check out this article for more information- https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2018/12/teens-using-vaping-devices-in-record-numbers
It is the way e-cigarette companies are marketing their products. I have stated this in another discussion, but companies like JUUL have been using social media in order to reach out to the Millennial generation and Generation Z that their products are aligned with freedom, "coolness", and trendiness. But what makes it so trendy? According to Julia Belluz of Vox News, the new design of e-cigarettes are really appealing among young generations because of its USB shape. This new shape just makes e-cigarettes seem like a modern tool that everyone has for convenience. No one can tell the real difference between a USB and an e-cigarette, which gives teen the insight that they will not get in trouble if they carry around such an item. It is just how modernized e-cigarettes have become as young generations love items that make them look modern or trendy.
However, the shape is extremely deceiving because a video called "How Juul made nicotine go viral" by Vox explains the amount of nicotine within a normal e-cigarette and the company Juul that made e-cigarettes "trendy". I will attach the link down below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=288&v=AFOpoKBUyok
I think that vaping is very romanticized in the media. In New Zealand especially around 16 to 18 years, vaping is seen as a very 'cool' thing to do - and aligns with the 'soft boy epidemic' and a great pastime as it is seemingly less harmful than cigarettes.