Vape Culture Among Young People

Lead Author Major

Sociology

Format

Oral Presentation

Faculty Mentor Name

Ruth Lewis

Faculty Mentor Department

Sociology

Abstract/Artist Statement

Recent years have seen a rapid rise in the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), especially among teens and young adults, including a significant minority who have never smoked ‘traditional’ cigarettes. Response to this surging use has so far been mixed, with popular claims about e-cigarettes’ health benefits as a smoking cessation tool pitted against growing concern about new ‘gateways’ to nicotine dependence among young non-smokers, and the ‘renormalization’ of smoking behavior. In January 2015, California Public Health Department called for a major campaign to educate young Californians about e-cigarettes. The effectiveness of such a campaign requires nuanced understanding of the meanings and use of e-cigarettes (popularly known as ‘vaping’) among this group, yet detailed knowledge is lacking. Our in-progress study explores vape culture among young people aged 18-22 in Stockton. Our proposed presentation would report initial findings from at least three focus group discussions with selfidentified “casual” and “ committed” vapers. Including Pacific students, Delta students, and those not engaged in higher education. Major themes that will be highlighted include the varied appeals of vaping, the characterization of vape culture as a “community”, and the social acceptance and restraints experienced by vapers.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Room 211

Start Date

30-4-2016 10:00 AM

End Date

30-4-2016 12:00 PM

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Apr 30th, 10:00 AM Apr 30th, 12:00 PM

Vape Culture Among Young People

DeRosa University Center, Room 211

Recent years have seen a rapid rise in the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), especially among teens and young adults, including a significant minority who have never smoked ‘traditional’ cigarettes. Response to this surging use has so far been mixed, with popular claims about e-cigarettes’ health benefits as a smoking cessation tool pitted against growing concern about new ‘gateways’ to nicotine dependence among young non-smokers, and the ‘renormalization’ of smoking behavior. In January 2015, California Public Health Department called for a major campaign to educate young Californians about e-cigarettes. The effectiveness of such a campaign requires nuanced understanding of the meanings and use of e-cigarettes (popularly known as ‘vaping’) among this group, yet detailed knowledge is lacking. Our in-progress study explores vape culture among young people aged 18-22 in Stockton. Our proposed presentation would report initial findings from at least three focus group discussions with selfidentified “casual” and “ committed” vapers. Including Pacific students, Delta students, and those not engaged in higher education. Major themes that will be highlighted include the varied appeals of vaping, the characterization of vape culture as a “community”, and the social acceptance and restraints experienced by vapers.