Why are celebrities like Ben Affleck and Natalie Portman promoting smoking?

Celebrities and social media influencers are glamorizing cigarette use, reigniting the "cool" factor of smoking and putting vulnerable young people at risk.

How has the smoking rate among Gen Z changed over time?

Smoking rates among Gen Z, the generation of middle and high school students, had reached record lows of less than 3% in 2024. However, this positive trend may now be in jeopardy.

What are the potential public health consequences of this smoking resurgence?

Experts warn that the normalization of smoking through pop culture could have severe public health consequences, as studies show adolescents and young adults who engage with smoking-related content are more likely to start using tobacco products themselves.

Home / Health / Influencers Reignite 'Cool' Smoking Trend, Putting Youth at Risk

Influencers Reignite 'Cool' Smoking Trend, Putting Youth at Risk

17 Nov

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Summary

Smoking rates among Gen Z hit record lows in 2024, but now face a resurgence
Celebrities and social media influencers are glamorizing cigarette use
Experts warn of the dangerous impact on vulnerable young people

Influencers Reignite 'Cool' Smoking Trend, Putting Youth at Risk

According to the latest data, smoking rates in the U.S. had reached an all-time low of 11.9% of the population in 2024. This was considered a major public health success, especially among Gen Z, the generation of middle and high school students. However, this positive trend may now be in jeopardy.

Experts are warning that the "cool factor" of smoking is making a concerning comeback, driven by the influence of celebrities and social media influencers. Accounts like @Cigfluencers, with over 83,000 followers, are posting photos of stars like Ben Affleck, Natalie Portman, and others using cigarettes, labeling the behavior as "smoking hot."

This normalization of smoking through pop culture is particularly dangerous for young, impressionable audiences. Studies show that adolescents and young adults who engage with smoking-related content on social media are more likely to start using tobacco products themselves. The CEO of the Truth Initiative, Robin Koval, called this a "confusing and dangerous contradiction" for youth.