Video Games and Nicotine: The Dangerous Cocktail of New Electronic Cigarettes

Video Games and Nicotine: The Dangerous Cocktail of New Electronic Cigarettes

Smart vapes, or smart e-cigarettes, represent a new generation of vaping devices that incorporate advanced features such as touchscreens, video games and connected applications. This technological development has raised serious concerns among health professionals and authorities, due to their particular appeal to young people and the increased risks of nicotine addiction.

Devices combining vaping and digital technologies

Unlike traditional e-cigarettes, smart vapes offer an enhanced user experience by combining vaping with popular digital activities. Some models allow users to play video games, receive notifications, listen to music, and even make phone calls directly from the device. For example, devices like the WeFume feature high-definition screens preloaded with games such as versions of Tetris and Pac-Man, and offer digital rewards based on nicotine consumption.

A marketing strategy targeting young people

The inclusion of such features is clearly aimed at attracting a young audience, by associating vaping with fun and social activities popular with teenagers. This marketing strategy is concerning because it risks expanding the e-cigarette market to young people who have no prior interest in nicotine products, while reinforcing addiction among current users. Experts have expressed concern about this trend, noting that “combining the two most addictive products for children: the phone and the vape, creates an even more addictive product.”

Illegal but easily accessible products

Although the sale of these devices is banned in several countries due to their high nicotine content and the presence of flavours that are attractive to young people, they remain easily accessible via online platforms and social networks. In France, for example, the "smart vape" is illegally marketed for between 30 and 40 euros, despite a nicotine content of 50 mg/ml, well above the legal limit of 20 mg/ml.

This situation complicates efforts to regulate and protect young people against these products.

Calls for stronger regulation

Faced with this growing threat, health professionals and authorities are calling for stricter regulation to control the marketing and access to these devices. Measures such as banning disposable e-cigarettes and limiting connected features are being considered to reduce their appeal to young people and prevent a new wave of nicotine addiction.

Conclusion

The emergence of “smart vapes” illustrates a worrying trend where technological advances are being used to make vaping products more attractive, particularly to young people. It is imperative that health authorities and regulators act quickly to regulate these devices and protect vulnerable populations from the risks associated with nicotine and behavioral addiction.

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About the Author

Editor-in-chief of Vapoteurs.net, the reference site for vaping news. Engaged in the world of vaping since 2014, I work every day to ensure that all vapers and smokers are informed.