Chances are, you’ve seen someone under 25 smoking from, not a vape, but a cigarette. While it was previously believed that cigarettes were a thing of the past- it turns out that members of Gen Z seem to be smoking them again. This trend is no doubt accelerated by young celebrities like Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid who have been seen lighting up on occasion.
However, another reason for Gen Z’s recent smoking habit could be the fact that smoking can often be a social activity, something many young people crave in today’s increasingly isolated world. Another reason for this resurgence could be the 90s and 2000s making a comeback. Many iconic pieces of media from that time showed people smoking cigarettes.
The biggest reason that some Gen Zers smoke is the fact that nicotine tends to create a temporary calming feeling. For the ever-anxious Gen Zer, cigarettes can seem like a huge relief to their problems.
But, of course, smoking tends to only create more problems. I’m sure you’ve heard the spiel already, but the body can easily get very addicted to nicotine. And in addition to the risks of lung cancer, heart attacks, and premature-aging- cigarettes also can be ruinous for your mental health. In fact, the World Health Organization says that tobacco use makes one more vulnerable to mental health concerns.
School nurse Mrs. Zolotsky said, “Smoking has many negative physical and mental effects. Physically, it can cause various types of cancer, lung disease, and heart disease to name a few effects. Not to mention it has a bad odor and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. As for the mental side of things, smoking causes a physiological and psychological dependence.”
And when asked about advice she would give to a young person who is considering starting smoking or maybe already has, she said, “Don’t start, if you’ve started- quit now. It is incredibly difficult to quit smoking. The sooner you quit, the healthier and happier you will be. You will not regret it.”
To look on the bright side, the actual percent of teenagers and young adults that smoke cigarettes is actually pretty small and is significantly lower than previous generations. Additionally, rates of vaping and drinking alcohol are also down among younger people, implying that Gen Z may be breaking away from at least some of the hazardous habits of past years.
