Abstract
This qualitative research paper examines the societal dimensions of smoking and vaping and how vaping changes or brings its own unique social aspects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who smoke or vape to gain insight into how these behaviors manifest in their social lives. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in the data. Results suggest that while smoking and vaping share some social aspects, such as social norms and group identity, vaping also brings its unique social aspects, such as social media and online communities. The findings have implications for public health initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use and for our understanding of the societal influences that shape smoking and vaping habits.
Introduction
Smoking has been a social activity for centuries, with smoking behaviors and social norms varying across cultures and periods. In recent years, vaping has emerged as a popular alternative to smoking and has also been accompanied by its unique social aspects. As the popularity of vaping grows, it is important to understand how it impacts the social lives of those who engage in it. This qualitative research project aims to explore the social aspects of smoking and vaping, and to understand how vaping introduces distinct social dynamics or alters existing ones.
The social aspects of smoking and vaping are important to study because social factors have been shown to play a significant role in tobacco use. Social norms, social support, and social influence can all impact whether an individual smokes or vapes, and how much they smoke or vape. However, there is limited research on how vaping has changed the social aspects of smoking and how these changes may impact smoking and vaping behaviors.
In this study, we will interview people who smoke or vape to understand how these practices affect their social interactions. We will ask questions about social interactions related to smoking or vaping, such as how it affects their relationships with friends and family, participation in social events, and perceived social status. By examining these social aspects, we hope to better understand how smoking and vaping impact individuals’ social lives.
Understanding the social aspects of smoking and vaping is crucial for community health programs designed to decrease tobacco consumption and promoting healthier behaviors. By identifying the social factors that influence smoking and vaping behaviors, we can develop more effective interventions that address these underlying social factors. Additionally, this research will contribute to the growing body of literature on vaping, which has emerged as a new area of study in the past decade.
Literature Review
Retrospective
In the historical context, smoking has long been associated with stereotypes of masculinity and femininity, as well as socioeconomic status and cultural norms. In the early 20th century, for instance, women who smoked cigarettes were seen as rebellious and independent, even though, at the time, it was seen as a male hobby (Clark, 1978). In the middle of the twentieth century, tobacco firms used advertising to normalize the product by portraying smokers positively. However, the public’s understanding and anti-smoking efforts rose in the latter part of the twentieth century as studies emerged connecting the issue to various health concerns (Miech et al., 2019). Although smoking has become less common in many areas of the globe, it is still widely accepted as a cultural norm among other historically excluded populations.
Cigarette use has evolved over many decades and centuries. Landmark studies like the 1964 US Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health (US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1964) have significantly influenced public opinion and smoking-related legislation. Research on the problem has changed in recent years to focus on its social aspects, such as how tobacco is used to form identity and relationships. It should be stressed that several studies have defined and shaped the present field of research.
Particularly, Clark (1978) gives background for the early arguments on smoking’s societal effects. The discussion delves into how smoking affects one’s relationships with others. The author claims that smoking is a social practice that serves a variety of functions, including easing stress and anxiety, expressing individuality, and indicating membership in a certain group. The essay goes on to explore the public health ramifications of smoking as well as the psychological and physiological impacts of nicotine addiction. The text as a whole shows that smoking is a social habit with many facets.
Current Debates
In the contemporary context, vaping has become more common as a substitute for tobacco use in the modern world, especially among the young. The associated devices, which come in a wide variety of tastes and designs, are promoted as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes (Levy et al., 2018). Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to cigarette consumption. However, it is still debatable whether or not it poses a new public health danger (Levy et al., 2018).
Such a method has also introduced new societal aspects, with various demographics accepting and employing the related devices in a wide range of ways. Some subcultures, for instance, utilize vaping as a signifier of their uniqueness. In contrast, others adopt the practice as a means of kicking the habit of smoking or controlling their nicotine addiction. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has also been regulated in several nations, with some outright prohibiting the sale and use of e-cigarettes.
Many modern, relevant investigations shed light on the issue from unique perspectives. Specifically, Miech et al. (2019) focus on the rise of teen vaping trends from 2017 to 2019. The authors claim that there has been a dramatic increase in teenage vaping throughout this time. They note that the widespread availability of flavored goods and the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes are likely to blame for the epidemic of teen vaping. Also, the scientists worry about the long-term effects of teen vaping, such as nicotine addiction and lung damage. The article highlights the increasing acceptance and use of electronic cigarettes, even among young people.
Then, the purpose of the research by Levy et al. (2018) was to see whether there was any correlation between using e-cigarettes and beginning to smoke among American teenagers and young adults. While the research did find a correlation between vaping and increased smoking initiation, it did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that vaping causes smoking. The authors contend that although measures to curb youth vaping may be warranted, they must be carefully crafted to prevent unexpected outcomes like encouraging youth to take up smoking. This study emphasizes the need for further investigation into the long-term impacts of vaping and the effectiveness of legislation targeted at decreasing youth vaping.
It is also essential to mention investigations that applied a qualitative approach to exploring the problem using the interview methods, given that the present study appeals to the best practices in this regard. For example, McQueen et al. (2011) present the findings from interviews with vapers. The authors stress the need to take vapers’ viewpoints and experiences into account in future studies of e-cigarettes and their possible hazards and benefits.
The interviews showed that people who use electronic cigarettes do so for various reasons, such as to cut down on tobacco usage or to kick the habit altogether. The scholars also address the necessity for public education regarding the hazards and advantages of using electronic cigarettes. As a whole, the discussion implies that further study is needed to properly understand the ramifications of e-cigarette usage, and that such research should account for the views and experiences of current users (McQueen et al., 2011). This article puts the issue into context by discussing the factors that motivate individuals to vape rather than smoke and the potential societal consequences of this trend.
Moreover, Keane et al. (2016) provide the findings of a qualitative investigation into the cultural norms and norm breakers of vaping in Australia. The authors discovered that vaping was often utilized as a way of socialization and relationship-making, especially in settings where smoking was restricted. As with other methods, such as exercise and proper nutrition, vaping was considered a means to reduce stress and anxiety (Keane et al., 2016). The authors point out that it’s crucial to examine the social and cultural setting of vaping when weighing the hazards and advantages of the habit. This article elaborates on the social ramifications of vaping and how they vary from those of conventional smoking.
As with previous studies, the stakeholders’ perspectives on vaping and its performativities are diverse (Lucherini et al., 2018). One argument in favor of electronic cigarettes is that they may be less stigmatizing than traditional cigarettes because of their varying sizes and forms. Meanwhile, the exhale of a considerably less ‘polluting’ by-product than secondhand smoke might give a better personal reaction to smoking, even be ‘cool,’ and enhance the urban sensual environment.
Some people, however, took issue with this kind of hand-to-mouth performance, arguing that it undermined the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. In a similar vein, several participants believed that all odors were out of place in shared, public spaces due to the setting of smoking denormalization, even if secondhand vapors were less malodorous. Therefore, although the regions of smoking have ‘shrunk,’ the areas of vaping are both contracting and increasing due to the lack of clear spatial norms for vaping.
It should be stressed that perceptions of the differences between vaping and smoking are fluid, suggesting that the behaviors’ normalization processes are not unique from one another. To what degree does societal acceptability or condemnation rest on being able to see or smell use in public places? This question forces scholars to question the preconceived notions of what is being condemned about smoking and vaping (Lucherini et al., 2018), from the illuminated end to the simulated smoke produced by the e-cigarette’s heating element, first-generation ‘cigalikes’ aimed to replicate the visual and tactile sensations of traditional cigarettes.
Stigmatization
However, strangely, the device’s appeal is built on the persistent stigma associated with tobacco cigarettes. It would be naive to think that the linkages between the two behaviors are not mired in social and ethical concerns of denormalization, given that e-cigarettes were originally marketed to imitate smoking (Levy et al., 2018). Later generations may look less and less like regular cigarettes, but they still act similarly. From the standpoint of public health workers, this uncertainty may aid in elucidating what societal and cultural obstacles remain for smokers who do not tend to resort to electronic cigarettes in assisting them to stop, and therefore assist in the development of more socially aware cessation programs.
With the popularity of electronic cigarettes, new smoking customs and cultural attitudes have developed. Recent studies have investigated the social implications of vaping, probing such questions as how the practice is utilized to form identities and relations and how various demographics see it. The potential advantages and hazards of vaping, as well as how it should be controlled, continue to be debated in the literature.
The self-stigmatization and emergence of smokers as a publicly sanctioned ‘other’ in public areas are two social outcomes of denormalization’s positioning of smoking and smokers on the margins. Denormalization has also shed light on glaring socioeconomic inequalities, such as the concentration of smokers in the poorest communities, where the practice is more accepted, and those at the margins of society face the weight of shame. For instance, 35% of people in Scotland’s most impoverished districts smoke, compared to 11% in the least impoverished areas (McLean et al., 2016). Those involved in smoke control investigations have long debated denormalization’s moral and ethical repercussions. Some argue that stigma is situational and may be used productively in public health settings, calling into question ‘absolutist’ views on stigma as either beneficial or negative.
However, others argue that health inequities are exacerbated since stigma, even in its milder manifestations, tends to marginalize rather than empower people who are most vulnerable to it, such as members of underprivileged groups (Lucherini et al., 2018). It has been suggested that the public health goal of reducing and eventually eliminating tobacco use has been prioritized above a more nuanced understanding of why individuals continue to smoke despite widespread warnings about the dangers of doing so.
Theoretical Framework
This research applies social identity theory and symbolic interactionism to place smoking and vaping in context and to understand their social dimensions. The latter emphasizes how people make meaning out of symbols and gestures to build social reality. In contrast, the former suggests that people utilize group membership to determine their identity and connections.
According to social identity theory, people who smoke or vape do so to establish who they are in relation to others and to express their participation in certain social groupings. According to symbolic interactionism, people utilize symbols like cigarettes and e-cigarettes to establish and uphold social norms and convey social meaning. This research presents a complete framework for understanding the issue’s social aspects and assessing how these activities serve to form identity and relationships by relying on various conceptual views.
There has been a great volume of studies on the negative health impacts of smoking and vaping, but not nearly as many on the social implications. In particular, further research into how smoking and vaping are seen and controlled by various social groups is required. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by offering a thorough evaluation of smoking and vaping’s societal effects.
It relies on social identity theory and symbolic interactionism to provide a nuanced comprehension of how these activities are utilized to form identity and relationships and how various social groups view them. This research has major policy and public health implications because it emphasizes the necessity to consider the societal aspects of tobacco use when making decisions about regulation and harm reduction. The investigation is expected to be valuable in both theoretical and practical dimensions.
Methods
Participants
Participants for this study will be recruited through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. We will aim to recruit individuals who currently smoke or vape, or who have a history of smoking or vaping. Participants will be at least 18 years of age, fluent in English, and willing to participate in an interview about their smoking or vaping behaviors and social experiences. We will seek to recruit a diverse sample of participants based on age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Data Collection
Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews. Each interview will last approximately 45-60 minutes and will be conducted in a private and comfortable location, either in person or via video conferencing. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The interview guide will include open-ended questions about participants’ smoking or vaping behaviors, their smoking or vaping-related social interactions, and their perceptions of social norms and attitudes towards smoking and vaping.
Data Analysis
Data analysis will be conducted using a thematic analysis approach. We will begin by reading and familiarizing ourselves with the data, and then generate initial codes to identify patterns and themes in it. We will then group these codes into broader themes and enhance these concepts through repeated comparison and dialogue.
Ethical Considerations
This study has received ethical approval from [institution’s name] ethics committee. All participants will be provided with an information sheet explaining the study’s aims and procedures and asked to provide informed consent before participating in the study. Participants’ confidentiality will be ensured by assigning pseudonyms to each participant and keeping all data secure and password-protected.
Limitations
As with any qualitative study, this study’s findings may not be generalizable to other populations or contexts. The use of convenience and snowball sampling techniques may result in a biased sample, and the subjective nature of the data analysis may introduce researcher bias. Participants’ self-reported behaviors and experiences may be subject to social desirability or memory recall bias.
Timeline
- Week 1: Conduct a thorough review of the relevant literature on both behaviors, smoking and vaping, and social aspects. Develop the research proposal and seek approval from the ethics committee at your institution.
- Week 2: Begin recruiting participants using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Screen participants for eligibility and schedule interviews.
- Weeks 3-4: Conduct semi-structured interviews with participants. Audio record and transcribe all interviews. Debrief and reflect on the interviews after each session to identify any areas that need further exploration.
- Week 4: Use thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes in the data. Compare and discuss the themes with your research team. Refine the themes through an iterative process of comparison and discussion.
- Week 5: Analyze the themes concerning the research questions and literature. Identify any new insights or unexpected findings. Discuss the implications of the findings for public health and future research in the paper.
- Week 6: Write the final report. Review it with the research team and obtain feedback. Finalize the report and submit it for publication.
Results
Theme 1: Sense of Community and Social Circles
All three interviewees expressed a sense of community around vaping or smoking. For example, one respondent said, “I think vaping can definitely be a social activity and bring people together.” Another respondent also mentioned how smoking can contribute to socialization, stating, “When I was smoking, it was almost like a club. You’d see other smokers outside of buildings and you’d strike up a conversation with them.” Furthermore, the interviewees also discussed how these practices fit into their social circles. One of them claimed, “I typically smoke with my close friends who also smoke,” while another mentioned, “I have some friends who vape, so we often try out each other’s mods and flavors.”
Overall, the interviews suggest that smoking and vaping play a significant role in social interactions and can shape the formation of social groups. As one participant noted, “smoking can be a bonding experience,” and sharing this moment with others can facilitate connections between individuals who might not have otherwise interacted. Another participant noted that this social aspect can also lead to forming communities centered around these activities: “I definitely feel like I’m part of a community when I vape.” However, as we will see in the next section, this sense of community is not always positive. It can lead to feelings of exclusion and stigma for those who do not smoke or vape.
Theme 2: Stigmatization and Judgement
While there was a sense of community around smoking and vaping, all three interviewees also discussed feeling judged or stigmatized for their habits. One respondent said, “When I was smoking, people would often give me dirty looks or make comments about the smell.” Similarly, another respondent mentioned, “Even though vaping is generally seen as healthier than smoking, there are still some people who view it as just as bad.”
The interviews also revealed that smoking and vaping can be a source of conflict in social situations, particularly when non-smokers or non-vapers are present. Some participants noted feeling judged or stigmatized for their smoking or vaping habits. In contrast, others experienced social exclusion due to their smoking or vaping habits.
As one participant observed, “I’ve had friends who won’t hang out with me because they don’t want to be around smoking or vaping. It can be frustrating to feel like your habit is pushing people away.” This suggests that while smoking and vaping can facilitate social connections, they can also create divisions between individuals and social groups.
Theme 3: Impact on Social Life and Relationships
All three interviewees discussed how smoking or vaping impacted their social lives and relationships. One respondent stated, “Smoking definitely impacted my social life because I couldn’t smoke inside anywhere, so I would have to go outside and smoke alone.” Another respondent also mentioned feeling excluded from social situations because of smoking, saying, “I had a friend who was really against smoking, so I would never smoke around her, and it felt like I was missing out on certain experiences.” On the other hand, one respondent felt that vaping had a positive impact on their social life, saying, “It was really interesting to see the different types of mods and e-liquids everyone was using. We spent the whole night trying out each other’s mods and flavors, and it was a really fun and social experience.”
The interviews also shed light on how vaping has changed the social dynamics of smoking. Several participants noted that vaping has become a more socially acceptable alternative to smoking, with one participant noting that “vaping is seen as less harmful and more trendy than smoking.” As a result, some smokers have switched to vaping to avoid the negative stigma associated with smoking, which has led to a shift in the social norms and behaviors surrounding smoking and vaping. However, as another participant observed, “there are still some people who look down on vaping, so it’s not completely accepted by everyone.” Such a state of affairs implies that while vaping has changed the social landscape surrounding smoking, it has not completely erased the social stigmas associated with nicotine use.
The interviews show that there is much uncertainty about how smoking and vaping will continue to shape social interactions. Some participants expressed optimism that smoking and vaping would become more accepted and normalized, while others were more skeptical. As one participant noted, “I think it’s hard to say what the future holds for smoking and vaping, but I hope that people will continue to be more accepting of different lifestyles and habits.” Overall, the interviews suggest that the explored practices will continue to be important social activities, but how they are perceived and integrated into social interactions will continue to evolve.
Discussion
Overview
The results of the interviews are consistent with what has been written on the cultural influences of tobacco use and electronic cigarettes. The comments that smoking is a social tool and status symbol align with the first identified theme of belonging to a community and social circles (Miech et al., 2019). The interviews back up this theory by stressing the significance of friendships and shared experiences regarding tobacco use. Consistent with past research that has revealed that vaping is commonly used as a form of socializing and relationship-making, participants characterized smoking and vaping as activities that bring people together and encourage bonding.
The second highlighted theme, stigmatization and judgment, is consistent with the current research on tobacco use and electronic cigarettes. In line with previous studies showing that smokers often stigmatize themselves and that vapers are sometimes perceived as social outcasts, the interviews suggest that smokers and vapers frequently feel criticized and stigmatized by others (McLean et al., 2016). The interviews also show that the increased acceptance of electronic cigarettes and the extensive availability of flavored items may be adding to the global epidemic of adolescent vaping.
The third recognized issue, its effect on social life and relationships, aligns with the current body of literature. The results of the interviews indicate that smoking and vaping might affect one’s relations in both good and bad ways (Colditz et al., 2019; Levy et al., 2018). Participants reported that although smoking and vaping might lead to exclusion from social settings and harsh judgments from others, it has also brought them closer to others and fostered social ties. The interviews also reveal that there are a variety of motivations for using electronic cigarettes beyond just replacing traditional tobacco use.
Theoretical Implications
Overall, the results support the idea that smoking and vaping are multifaceted social activities with both good and negative effects on individuals’ social lives and the connections they maintain. Users may feel more unique and creative because of the performativities of vaping, such as the ability to personalize their devices and create visible clouds. Still, they may also be more open to criticism from those around them (Lucherini et al., 2018). It is crucial to continue investigating how smoking and vaping affect social interactions and relationships as the social climate around these habits changes.
The impact of the popularity of e-cigarettes on people’s attempts to give up smoking is something else to think about. Some smokers have been able to effectively switch to vaping as a means to stop smoking, while for others, vaping has served as a gateway to smoking (Gravely et al., 2020; Harrell et al., 2019). The long-term consequences of breathing flavored vapors and chemicals should also be taken into account while weighing the benefits of vaping (Keane et al., 2016; Rocheleau et al., 2020). Despite claims that electronic cigarettes are a healthier option than tobacco cigarettes, studies have demonstrated that they still pose risks to the lungs and heart. The absence of regulation and standardized manufacturing procedures in the vaping sector has exacerbated concerns regarding the quality and safety of the associated products.
Practical Implications
This research adds to our understanding of the historical development of smoking and vaping’s societal implications. This study uncovered the stigma and judgment that smokers and vapers face, the impact that smoking and vaping have on social life and relationships, and the significance of a strong sense of community and social circles in the practices considered. These results are in line with theories of communication that highlight the power of language to mold collective behaviors, individual identities, and societal norms.
The study also provides insight into how smoking and vaping habits have evolved in response to technological advances and shifting societal standards. For instance, the introduction of flavored products and the development of electronic cigarettes have altered the smoking and vaping landscapes in ways that appeal to the youth of today. The findings can serve as a foundation for understanding trends that young people tend to follow.
Limitations
However, there are a few limitations to consider within the scope of this research. First, the sample size was inadequate, and the participants were not randomly picked, so the results cannot be extrapolated too far. The second limitation is that the information was gathered by self-report, which might introduce bias due to social desirability or recollection. Finally, the research analyzed data from American smokers and vapers; thus, the results may not be generalizable to other cultures or nations with different regulatory frameworks.
Future Directions
Further research can be conducted using quantitative methods to define the correlation between vaping and status in social circles. Future investigations can also determine the extent to which vaping affects a person’s well-being in the societal context. Finally, researchers can focus on the pressure imposed by society that forces one to get into smoking or vaping.
Conclusion
To conclude, our research attempted to investigate how vaping has altered the social context of smoking. Three participants were interviewed about their experiences with the discussed practices as part of this investigation. Three primary topics arose from examining the interviews: influence on social life and relationships, stigmatization, and a feeling of community and social circles. Existing research provided further background for these concerns. The research yielded novel and practical insights into how people think about and react to cigarette and e-cigarette use in the company. Although constrained by its small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, this study calls attention to the need for more exploration regarding the effects of vaping on social dynamics and how smoking relates to and shapes individuals’ sense of self.
This research looked at how vaping has affected the social side of smoking. Three major topics arose from the interviews: impact on social life and relationships, stigma and judgment, and a feeling of community and social circles. The results provide new insight into the dynamic environment of smoking and vaping, as well as how these habits affect daily life and interpersonal connections. This research adds to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the evolving cultural norms around cigarette and e-cigarette use. Despite several drawbacks, including a limited sample size and the possibility of bias, this study lays the groundwork for additional investigation into the societal implications of consuming in the framework given.
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