Excessive use of social media more likely drives youth to vape, smoke: study

A new research revealed a concerning link between excessive social media use in young individuals and their vulnerability to vaping and smoking.

Researchers found that teenagers and young adults who spend excessive time on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are more likely to adopt these harmful habits earlier in life.

The study surveyed over 10,000 individuals aged 10 to 25 and published their findings in the journal Thorax. The chances of vaping increased substantially for addictive social media users compared to those who are not active on social networking apps.

These addictive social media users are eight times more likely to smoke, the study revealed. 

The likelihood of vaping among individuals who do not use social media is 0.8%. For those who use social media for three hours a day, the chances of vaping increase to 2.4%. Usage of four hours a day results in a 3.8% chance of vaping, and for those with more than seven hours of screen time, the risk rises to 4%.

Individuals with no social media use had a 2% chance of smoking, while three hours of daily use increased that risk to 9.2%. For those spending 4-6 hours on social media, the likelihood jumped to 12.2%, and for those exceeding seven hours, it reached a concerning 15.7%.

Researchers found evidence that vape companies may be exploiting social media platforms to promote their products.

They said, “Social media may be driving cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use through both direct, targeted advertisements and the use of paid influencers by the tobacco industry.’ 

“Social media may be driving cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use through both direct, targeted advertisements and the use of paid influencers by the tobacco industry,’ the experts explained

Deputy chief executive of Ash, Hazel Cheeseman stated, "Getting rid of children’s exposure to tobacco promotion has been important to reducing rates of smoking among teenagers."

He urged the government to implement measures to prioritise the health and well-being of young people by monitoring online and physical spaces.