What is the current smoking rate among Gen Z?

According to the article, smoking rates among Gen Z, or middle- and high-school students, have reached the lowest levels on record as of 2024.

What is the concern with the rise of vaping among Gen Z?

The article explains that while vaping rates have surged among young adults, there are fears that some may eventually transition from e-cigarettes to traditional cigarettes, potentially reversing the progress made in reducing smoking rates.

Home / Health / Smoking Rates Plummet Among Gen Z, But Influencers Threaten to Reignite the Trend

Smoking Rates Plummet Among Gen Z, But Influencers Threaten to Reignite the Trend

Q: How are social media influencers impacting smoking trends?

The article states that certain Instagram accounts, like @Cigfluencers, have been posting photos of celebrities smoking, which could help "re-glamorize" the habit and attract younger generations.

16 Nov

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Summary

Smoking rates at historic lows in 2024, but "cool factor" may be making a comeback
Influencers glamorizing smoking on social media, attracting younger generations
Vaping surge among Gen Z raises concerns about potential switch to traditional cigarettes

Smoking Rates Plummet Among Gen Z, But Influencers Threaten to Reignite the Trend

According to data from the CDC and FDA, smoking rates in the U.S. have reached historic lows as of 2024, with only 11.9% of the population overall reporting smoking. This significant decline over the past 20 years is considered a major public health success story.

However, some experts now fear that the "cool factor" associated with smoking may be making a comeback, potentially hooking a new generation on the habit. Certain social media influencers, such as the Instagram account @Cigfluencers, have been posting photos of celebrities smoking, with captions like "SMOKING HOT!" This normalization of smoking on popular platforms is concerning, as research shows that adolescents and young adults who engage with such content are more likely to start using tobacco products.