Vaping promoted on social media: a cautionary tale
Published 10:15 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025
By Tana Shealey
During a recent meeting, a discussion sparked on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse among underaged children. One of the participants mentioned a need for more education among parents and guardians about vaping. Some on social media believe the practice of vaping is innocuous, but health experts caution it is a dangerous growing practice among young people.
A recent article titled “Vape Trends and Social Media: Navigating the Culture” on the Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems (ACES) website points to the dangers of social media challenges that are labeled with hashtags such as “#vapenation” or “#vapefam” are marketing ploys that show up in feeds trying to portray the use of vapes as something that builds a positive family bond.
In the ACES article, Auburn University Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies Adrian Dukes Marks and graduate student Angela Mintah point to statistics showing there is nothing friendly nor family driven behind certain social media postings.
Marks and Mintah wrote, “Many posts promoting e-cigarettes use terms such as safe and natural, but these are often marketing strategies designed to lure you into vaping.”
In fact, Marks and Mintah point to data showing that tobacco companies in 2021 spent more than $6 billion making cigarettes less expensive targeting youth.
“Youth ages 10 to 19 should know the risks: lung damage, heart issues, anxiety, nicotine addiction and peer pressure. Know the facts. Don’t buy the hype,” Marks and Mintah concluded.
Research based on the effects of vaping on youth is available through ACES. Extension Agent Synitha Flowers serves Lowndes County by sharing information regarding the perils of vaping to educators, parents and youth.
“As summer temperatures rise, so does youth drug use!” Flowers cautioned. “Alabama Cooperative Extension is committed to combating the youth vaping epidemic with its free Escape Vapes program. Schedule ‘Escape Vapes’ for your youth program or group this summer.”
To reach Agent Synithia Flowers, call our office at 334-548-2315. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity employer and educator.
All are welcome to attend workshops, classes, and programs offered through the Lowndes County Office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Tana Shealey is a PhD candidate at Auburn University in Career and Technical Education.
