The Negative Influence of Vaping Among Gen Z

Vaping has become extremely common among Gen Z, even though many of them know it can be dangerous and can cause serious health problems. It is advertised as safer than cigarettes, and the flavors and image connected to vaping make it look fun and harmless in their eyes. But research shows that vaping is not only a health problem, it also affects the mind, behavior, and lifestyle of young people. From what I’ve seen in my own generation, vaping has become more like a trend than a health decision, and this makes the issue even more dangerous because teens follow it without thinking. The physical risks, the mental effects, and the influence of social pressure all show that vaping has a negative impact on Gen Z. In this essay, my goal is to argue that vaping harms Gen Z by damaging their physical and psychological health, by making them ignore the risks because of attractive flavors, and by pushing them to vape for appearance and social image. 

I chose this topic because I’ve personally seen how people in our generation act nowadays. Whether it’s on the streets, in the subway, or in school. When I was in high school, I saw how addicted many students were to vaping. They would act extremely rudely whenever a teacher told them to put the vape away, and some of them would become irritated to the point of almost losing control. In a few situations, it even turned into violent situations in the classroom. Seeing that was a huge cultural shock for me. I grew up in a very strict, disciplined household, and if I ever acted like that toward a teacher, and my parents got a call home because of my behavior, they would honestly kick me out. That’s why this issue stands out to me so much. I’ve witnessed how vaping doesn’t just affect someone’s health; it also influences their behavior, their attitude, and the whole learning environment.

While electronic cigarettes (vapes) are frequently advertised or perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, they negatively affect Gen Z (those born between 1997 to 2012, or Gen Z’s age range is considered around 13-28 years), with serious physical health dangers. Even though many teens think they won’t be affected because they’re young and healthy, I’ve noticed that a lot of them ignore the long-term harm simply because they don’t see the harmful effects immediately. Those who vape are more likely to experience addiction and more easily engage in other risky behaviors, including problems with brain development, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and a high risk of addiction (Rainsyah et al., p.34). 

The Surgeon General’s Report for “E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults” presents powerful research to support the fact that “nicotine products pose dangers to youth” and should not be considered safe in any form for young people (Office of the Surgeon General, Chapter 1, p 5). Research identifies three critical physical risks associated with e-cigarette use. First, nicotine consumption during adolescence can cause “lasting harm to the developing brain.” The adolescent brain is particularly sensitive to nicotine exposure, which can result in long-term negative consequences affecting “attention, mood, and cognitive function.” This is concerning because I notice how many teenagers use vapes to calm down during stressful situations without recognizing that doing so is actually damaging their ability to concentrate or control their emotions. 

Second, the inhaled aerosol itself is without any concerns, not harmless “water vapor.” It contains many components that are known to have negative health consequences, nicotine, carbonyl compounds, and volatile organic compounds (Office of Surgeon General, p 7). For instance, highly dangerous substances like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, can be formed in high levels when e-liquids are heated to high temperatures in the device (Office of Surgeon General, p 13). The flavorings used in these products, such as diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and acetoin, may not be safe for inhalation, as some are known to be associated with pulmonary toxicity (e.g., “popcorn lung disease”) (Office of Surgeon General, p 239). Trace levels of cancer-causing chemicals, such as tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have also been found (Office of Surgeon General, chapter 5, p 216). The fact that so many teenagers select flavors like cotton candy or mint without considering the chemicals they’re actually breathing in truly shocks me. It’s easy for people to forget that these are dangerous substances getting into their lungs because of the tasty flavors.

Third, users face severe risks related to the product itself, including “poisoning and explosive injury” (Office of Surgeon General, chapter 3, p 100, p 7) because e-liquids contain concentrated nicotine; ingesting these liquids can cause severe toxicity or potentially death. The recorded rate of rise in exposure to human situations involving e-cigarette devices and liquid nicotine that poison control centers reported between 2011 and 2016 illustrates this risk. Additionally, battery failures have caused severe physical harm, including reported fires and explosions (Office of Surgeon General, Chapter 3, p 121, 100). This proves that vaping is not only unhealthy but also unexpectedly harmful for your physical health in ways that many teenage vapers are unaware of.

The primary psychological consequence of e-cigarette use is the rapid development of nicotine addiction, or dependence on nicotine, which causes users to feel a strong, compulsive need for the product. I’ve personally known some friends who never vaped but suddenly started to vape from getting bad influence of their other friends. And I’ve seen how they would get angry, irritated, or shaky when they couldn’t access their vape, which clearly shows how quickly it starts controlling their emotions and behaviors.  According to “Elevated Nicotine Dependence Scores Among Electronic Cigarette Users at an Electronic Convention,” researchers tested using the widely used Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependency (FTND), which evaluates addiction based on self-reported usage patterns, to determine this psychological dependence. It also supports the idea that e-cigarette users are extremely dependent. 

The FTND calculation revealed that “The average FTND score was 5.0 (SD= 2.32),” indicating that the participants had high nicotine addiction (Johnson et al., p 166). When compared to traditional cigarette users, whose FTND values historically “range from 4.3 to 4.6,” this average score clearly highlights that vaping creates a dependence that is numerically as strong as,  and is particularly higher than, traditional smoking. In addition, researchers categorized the scores to show the seriousness of this psychological burden (Johnson et al., p 165). A large percentage of users revealed severe addiction, as evidenced by the labeling of their total scores as either “high dependence (score = 8+, 15.4%)” or “moderate dependence (score = 5-7, 45.3%)” (Johnson et al., p 166). These results demonstrate that nicotine addiction is a strong behavioral relationship that pushes obsessive e-cigarette use rather than only a minor habit for many users. This proves that vaping is not just a casual habit, as many teens claim; it’s something that quickly becomes part of their daily routine and even controls their mood and decisions.

Another major issue is the social and emotional impact vaping has on teens. I’ve seen/heard people vape simply to avoid being judged by their friends, and many teens feel forced to do so because it helps them feel included or “fit in” with trends. Because of this, there is a toxic environment where saying “no” makes one feel lower or excluded. Teens who are emotionally overwhelmed or anxious turn to vaping, but because of the effects of nicotine, it frequently increases their anxiety or mood swings rather than making them feel relieved. I’ve witnessed people’s personalities change as they become addicted, they become stressed out, lose patience, and occasionally their entire attitude changes simply because they can’t get a hit. It has an influence on friendships, school performance, and even how they handle daily tasks.

According to a YouTube video from TED-Ed by Judy Grisel, “What causes addiction, and why is it so hard to treat?” explains that when a person develops an addiction, their brain becomes sensitive to the drug and becomes dependent on it in order to operate comfortably. By changing dopamine release in the nucleus cortex, all addictive substances take advantage of the brain’s reward system. A chemical becomes more addictive the quicker it enters the brain, such as nicotine via smoking or vaping. Regular use results in psychological changes that enhance the effect of the subconscious (impulsivity) and reduce the influence of the cortex (conscious decision-making), leading to a lack of control. Substance use before the age of 18, trauma and mental health issues, and some inherited characteristics are risk factors for substance use disorder. Treatment programs that address deeper problems and create supportive surroundings can help with the long-term process of recovery.

YouTube:What causes addiction, and why is it so hard to treat? – Judy Grisel

E-cigarette usage, especially among Gen Z, is heavily influenced by clever marketing that highlights the sensory appeal of the products and the social image associated with them. According to “Analysis of Factors Affecting the Use of E-Cigarettes (Vapes) and Their Impact on Physical, Psychological, and Social Health in Generation Z,” it powerfully illustrates how attractive advertising strategies successfully draw new users. First, the most common powerful tool companies use to attract young people is the wide range of attractive flavors. Flavors like “mint, fruit, dessert, and candy” are important to the product’s appeal because they make vaping seem interesting, fun, and harmless (Rainsyah et al., p 33). Quantitative data support this by showing that more than 80% of teenagers who use vapes are drawn to them specifically because they have fun flavor options (Rainsyah et al., p 37). Based on my observations, these flavors are a major factor in young people’s very first vaping habits. Teens are misled into forgetting that they are breathing in chemicals when something tastes like candy or a delicious drink. Because the flavor labels are meant to sound harmless and enjoyable, and the danger is not as visible to them.

Secondly, social media influence plays a big role in normalizing this behavior. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok shape the perceptions of young people, often making the act of vaping appear “attractive” or “normal” (Rainsyah et al., p 34). Another article, “Descriptive Study on Driving Factors of Vape Use and Lifestyle Changes Among Gen Z,” supports that their main reason to vape is “wanting to look stunning.” Vape users want to show their self-image as modern, mature, macho, dashing, brave, and different from older generations. (Ramadhan et al., p.67-68). I have personally seen this in my old high school, how some teens treat vaping like an aesthetic or an accessory, something that makes them look older or cooler. The credibility of these influencers, based on their trustworthiness and authentic personal engagement with the products, builds on the positive perception of e-cigarettes among Gen Z. Third, advertising often promotes the “misleading perception that vaping is safe” (Rainsyah et al., p 32). And this makes them believe that e-cigarettes are safer compared to traditional cigarettes, which encourages them to try vaping. This false sense of safety is one of the biggest issues, because it gives them confidence to keep vaping without questioning the long-term impact.

According to a YouTube video from 11 Alive, “FDA warning online influencers about teen vaping ads,” this video focuses on the actions taken by the federal government against vape companies using misleading advertising to reach teenagers. The federal government is taking a more active role in preventing teen vaping. In particular, four businesses received warnings by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for using paid social media influencers to market their products and electronic cigarettes. These businesses, which include Hype Cigars, Vapors, and Artist Liquid Labs, attract teenagers by marketing appealing flavors to their fan base, such as Watermelon Patch and Strawberry Kiwi. Importantly, the posts ignored the required warnings on the addictive chemical, like nicotine in the vaping liquids.

YouTube: FDA warning online influencers about teen vaping ads

In conclusion, vaping has a harmful influence on Gen Z in many different ways. It affects the body by exposing young people to dangerous chemicals, it harms the mind by creating addiction and changing behavior, and it shapes unhealthy attitudes through social pressure and advertising. Even though vaping is often seen among Gen Z as “safe” or “cool,” the evidence clearly supports that it has serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. Advertising, flavors, and social media influence lead to peer pressure, emotional distress, and behavioral changes, and laws against misleading advertisements highlight the importance of the issue. My own experiences seeing how vaping changed the behavior of students around me make this issue even more personal because of these risks. Understanding the brain’s reward system, addiction patterns, and the social and emotional impact is essential for teens to make healthier choices. Gen Z needs to understand the truth about vaping and make healthier choices. Educating young people, correcting false ideas, and spreading awareness can help reduce the negative impact of vaping on this generation.

References 

Johnson, Jona M., et al. “Elevated Nicotine Dependence Scores among Electronic Cigarette Users at an Electronic Cigarette Convention.” Journal of Community Health, vol. 43, no. 1, 2018, pp. 164–74. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/48716594. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

United States. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General, issuing body, and issuing body National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Office on Smoking and Health. E-Cigarette Use among Youth and Young Adults : A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General, 2016. https://cuny-cc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991030750846006121&context=L&vid=01CUNY_CC:CUNY_CC&lang=en&search_scope=IZ_CI_AW&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=Everything&query=any%2Ccontains%2Cyouth%20nicotine%20use 

Riansyah, Muhammad Haikal, and Risky Akaputra. “Analysis of Factors Affecting the Use of E-Cigarettes (Vapes) and Their Impact on Physical, Psychological, and Social Health in Generation Z.” Muhammadiyah Journal of Epidemiology 5.1 (2025): 31-43. https://jurnal.umj.ac.id/index.php/MJE/article/view/26993

Ramadhan, Fadiel, and Riky Akaputri. “Descriptive Study on Driving Factors of Vape Use and Lifestyle Changes Among Generation Z.” Muhammadiyah Journal of Epidemiology 5.1 (2025): 58-73. https://jurnal.umj.ac.id/index.php/MJE/article/view/27001

11 Alive. “FDA warning online influencers about teen vaping ads” Youtube, 12 June 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_yDgIwk8to

Grisel, Judy. “What causes addiction, and why is it so hard to treat?” Youtube TED-Ed, 19 March 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBC7i-vHWsU

“Growing shares of U.S. secondary school, college students vape regularly.” Pew Research Center, 2017, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/09/26/vaping-survey-data-roundup/.  30th November 2025.

Zauderer, Steven. “More than 2.5 million high and middle students currently use e-cigarettes.” Cross River Therapy, 24th February 2025, https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/vaping-statistics 30th November 2025.

“What do teens say is in their e-cig?” National Institution on Drug Abuse, 2018, https://www.ricardoisd.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=522462&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=1064631. 30th November 2025.

Mills, Mandie. “Examples of e-liquid flavors” & “E-liquid being poured into an e-cigarette device” CDC, E-Cigarette Use among Youth and Young Adults : A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General, 2016. https://cuny-cc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991030750846006121&context=L&vid=01CUNY_CC:CUNY_CC&lang=en&search_scope=IZ_CI_AW&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=Everything&query=any%2Ccontains%2Cyouth%20nicotine%20use. 30th November 2025.