Teen smoking rates in the U.S. have plummeted to under 3% in 2024, marking a historic low, according to CDC and FDA data. However, health experts warn that a resurgence of smoking glamorized by pop culture could undo this progress. Despite a significant reduction in overall smoking rates to 11.9% of the population, concerns are growing over a new cultural movement to re-glamorize cigarette smoking.
Dr. Neil W. Schluger, dean of the School of Medicine at New York Medical College, highlighted the success of declining smoking rates over the past two decades. Yet, he expressed worries that the ‘cool factor’ is returning, potentially hooking a new generation on smoking. Some experts, including Dr. Judith J. Prochaska of Stanford University, note that social media influencers and celebrities promoting smoking could sway young people, especially as platforms like Instagram are popular among Gen Z.
One Instagram account, @Cigfluencers, has amassed over 83,000 followers by posting images of celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Ben Affleck smoking. Prochaska warned that adolescents and young adults exposed to smoking-related content are more likely to experiment with tobacco. Studies show that these risks are exacerbated when such content is consumed on social media, creating a dangerous contradiction for young people who look to pop culture for cues.
Experts like Dr. Daniel J. Boffa of Yale School of Medicine emphasized that while current smoking rates among Gen Z are low, the rise in e-cigarettes poses a new challenge. Some adolescents may transition from vaping to traditional smoking, a trend that raises concerns about long-term health effects. With over 90% of long-term smokers starting before age 18, the potential for future public health crises remains a major concern. Schluger urged continued vigilance, advocating for measures like banning smoking in public places and increasing cessation programs to maintain the country’s progress in reducing tobacco use.