Cigarettes are known for their chemicals and tobacco. It is a dangerous substance that can lead to heart attack, kidney failure and lung failure due to too much smoke that will be inhaled, especially the ones who have asthma and a low immune system. Will it be the same if people invented the inhalant called the e-cigarette?
E-cigarettes, also known as vape, are another agent of cigarettes. Instead of tobacco, e-liquid that contains nicotine and other chemical liquids are used to make it more cool for the youth.
Vapes are currently popular for its attraction to teenagers that even ages 13-17 are already vaping that contradicts the law of the Philippines wherein ages 18 and above are only allowed to smoke.
It started to influence the youth by illegally selling it from another buyer. According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the probable cause of vaping under 18 years old is highly affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Based on the statistics of PSA, 10% of the youth around 5-17 years old are inhaling vapes with 5 being the youngest and 17 being the oldest during the covid-19 pre-pandemic era (2019) which is already high. While in the covid-19 post-pandemic era (2023), almost 40% of the youth started to use the illegal substance.
Some factors that attract the youth are the flavors of its liquid. There were many flavors that this e-liquid consisted of like fruits and desserts. Watermelon and strawberry are some of the most popular flavors e-cigarettes have.
E-cigarettes become increasingly popular among teenagers, driven by a combination of factors that appeal to this demographic. One of the most significant attractions is the variety of flavors available in vape products. Flavors such as candy, fruit, and dessert resonate with younger users, making the experience more enjoyable and relaxing.
This flavor diversity often masks the harshness of nicotine, lowering the barrier to trying vaping and making it feel less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.
Many people including the youth understand vapes are a lot safer than the actual cigarettes. Little did they know, there were only a few differences when it comes to its effects on our lungs.
Cigarettes cause our lungs to fail and can result in death just like heart failure and could also destroy our kidney stones while e-cigarettes A.K.A. vapes definitely are a lot worse than an actual cigarette. Many experts say that if a cigarette kills you slowly, vapes could kill you in an instant.
Social dynamics also play a crucial role in the appeal of vaping. Many teenagers are influenced by their peers and may feel pressure to conform to group behaviors. If vaping is seen as trendy or accepted within a social circle, individuals are more likely to experiment with it.
The desire to fit in and be part of a community can significantly contribute to the decision to start vaping, often overshadowing the potential health risks involved.
Perceptions of safety further complicate the issue. Many teenagers believe that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, primarily due to the marketing strategies employed by vape companies.
These companies often highlight the absence of tar and harmful chemicals found in traditional tobacco products, leading teens to underestimate the risks associated with nicotine addiction and other health effects. This misunderstanding can make vaping seem like a safer option, encouraging experimentation among adolescents.
Finally, the discrete nature of vaping makes it appealing for teenagers who may want to avoid detection by parents or authorities. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes can be used with less visibility and odor, allowing users to engage in the activity without drawing attention.
Coupled with targeted marketing through social media platforms, which resonates with younger audiences, vaping becomes an accessible and socially acceptable choice for many teens. Together, these factors create an environment where vaping can flourish among young people, despite the known health risks.
In conclusion, teenagers attract vapes because of influences. Influences from other people, social media, circle of friends and peer pressure due to stress and anxiety. So let us support each other to have a healthy living and let’s avoid using vapes for our self health. Without vape we can be happy, with the help of education anything will be possible. Choose your health before hype. Vaping may seem like a safer alternative, but it can still harm your lungs and overall health, especially for young users. It’s time to prioritize our well-being over trends.
About the Author
Cahrl Jayson Reyes is a 7-year feature writer who has passion to inspire co-journalists. Currently a feature writer and a publisher of a school publication. [Among Charl’s accolades as of writing is him becoming a Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) Qualifier in ScieTech Writing, and Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) qualifier in Feature Writing.]
