How Vaping is Marketed to Teens
October 31, 2019
How Vaping is Marketed to Teens
In recent years, electronic cigarettes have increased in popularity. What first emerged as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes is now creating a serious nicotine addiction crisis for minors.
According to the CDC, the amount of youth who used e-cigarettes increased by 1.5 million people between 2017 and 2018, and that number continues to grow. This rapid increase is troubling, but it may not be unintentional. In fact, many have accused vape companies of deliberately marketing their products toward minors.
E-cigarette companies can accomplish this in many ways, but the most effective is through social media. Social media is predominantly used by younger generations, and it can be a powerful tool to influence the youth’s opinions and desires. One research paper showed that JUUL, the most popular e-cigarette company, spent over a million dollars in online marketing. They advertised their product in images that many adolescents find attracting, depicting vape users relaxing, having fun with friends, and going on adventures.
However, the greatest source of complaints from concerned parents is vape companies’ use of flavoring. Many companies add candy or fruit flavorings to their nicotine products, which, because of its appeal to minors, was banned in cigarettes by the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The loophole allowing flavors in electronic cigarettes is lucrative for companies looking to profit from children’s addictions.
Although vaping has rapidly increased in popularity, awareness of its risks is also rising. E-cigarette companies are under fire for marketing to minors, and the CDC is investigating health issues that are beginning to appear in short-term vape users. The long-term health effects of vaping remain to be seen.
Citations:
https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/youth-tobacco-use/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
Loading ...
