Vaping refers to the usage of e-cigarettes that let you inhale nicotine or other addictive substances as vapour rather than smoke. Surprisingly, it has become a very common habit amongst people, especially younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha. In 2024, e-cigarettes were the most used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the US. According to this data published by CDC last year, 1.63 million students were using e-cigarettes at the time.
There is countless health risks associated with vaping, comprising of short-run effects such as shortness of breath, coughing, irritation of throat etc. Long-run consequences may include risk of heart disease, lung damage and nicotine addiction. However, apart from these, vaping can also have a massive psychological and behavioural impact on young people. The nicotine in e-cigarettes can worsen anxiety and depression, especially among teenagers who are the most vulnerable to the effects of vaping.
Now the question is, despite all these downsides, why are young people so drawn to vaping? Firstly, unlike traditional cigarettes which carry the harsh taste of nicotine, vapes come in a variety of sweet and fruity flavours which are easier to get into for adolescents. Peer pressure from friends is also a factor that drives youngsters toward this harmful habit, because apparently, if you choose not to ruin your lungs, you are not “cool”. Some teens may also turn to vapes because they are easier to conceal from guardians due to their small size.
Young minds are precious and do not deserve to be negatively affected by something as shallow as vaping. Since these younger generations are highly impressionable, educating them on the harmful effects of such habits can help loads. Adults should therefore step in and try their best to prevent these youngsters from slipping into such addictions which ultimately have no real value.