Gen Z thinks cigarettes are better than vaping - and see health benefits

Key Points:

• Some Gen Z smokers believe cigarettes make them feel healthier, especially those who switched from vaping, claiming cigarettes helped clear up health issues like brain fog and lung capacity.
• Social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit feature discussions where young people debate whether cigarettes might be better or safer than vaping, with some describing cigarettes as more social and less isolating.
• Experts warn that switching from vaping to cigarettes does not reduce health risks, emphasizing that cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals from combustion that vaping does not, making cigarettes more dangerous overall.
• Medical professionals stress that while vaping carries risks like nicotine dependence and lung irritation, cigarettes pose a greater threat due to the toxic chemicals produced by burning tobacco.
• Addiction specialists highlight that both vaping and smoking maintain nicotine addiction, cautioning against the misconception that cigarettes offer a healthier or more controlled nicotine experience.