It sounds awfully dramatic to say social media is this generation’s cigarettes. But, it’s more awful when you realize why that’s true. Yet, social media seems so obviously positive and smoking is known as a very harmful habit, so why are they similar?
Believe it or not, cigarettes were once as glamorous and popular as social media. And as much as we say, “Oh, this won’t harm me”, time will creep up and tear apart what we thought we knew. Looking back lets us see this pattern and warns us to be cautious in the choices we make now.
The Cigarette Addiction Origins
Although smoking tobacco has been a common practice for centuries, the mass production of cigarettes caused a wide spread supply that was affordable. Between 1880 and the 1950s machinery and advertisement boosted mass consumption.
You might think it’s obvious that inhaling that smoke would be harmful but those effects were more subtle at first. As cigarettes became more accessible they were advertised heavily for perceived health benefits.
The stress relief, improved focus, and boost of dopamine nicotine provided was quickly recognized and embraced. And for this reason, cigarettes were included in soldier rations during both World Wars.
The Societal Norm
When consumed by all the Hollywood stars and depicted as a preferred social practice, smoking cigarettes quickly rose to a societal norm. And, although studies showing the harm of smoking appeared in the mid-20th century, they did not receive wide reporting.
Despite the growing knowledge of the health risks involved, information was not dispersed well to the public. The spread of this knowledge was even dampened in order to protect the tobacco companies profits.
A Fortunate Change
Finally in 1965 a law came into play in the United States requiring tobacco companies to print warnings on their labels. This paired with a better spread knowledge of lung cancer and other smoking diseases decreased cigarette consumption more and more.
Once an accepted and promoted habit, smoking cigarettes was finally recognized for what it was. On top of being highly addictive, it’s extreme detriment to a person’s health has become widely known.
6 Reasons Social Media is This Generation’s Cigarettes
Now we understand the history of cigarette use and popularity we can pull parts of it to compare to now. Whether it’s a widely accepted practice or consumed product, we have the chance to reflect in a way that could save our lives.
This being said we’ll make comparisons of social media to cigarettes in the hopes of sparking thought and moderation. While social media is nearly unavoidable now, we can still examine it objectively. Then, we can make educated choices that are best for our health with the information we have right now.
1) Social Normalization
In daily life it is nearly impossible to function without connecting to some social media platform. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, you have connections in some way. And everyone you know is too.
Perhaps you’re one of the few who have managed to avoid these platforms and kept your connections non-digital. However, accessing information about events, businesses, trends, and updates can be more tedious. You’re no longer the normal one if you aren’t on a social media platform.
2) Widespread Availability
With technology advancements, cell phones have become more available to people at all income levels. Also, the US Government funds a program that helps provide cell services and support device discounts to people approved for federal assistance.
There are many kids receiving smart phones as young as 10 years old. Despite parental control options many children still have exposure to these social media platforms anyway. If social media use untethered can negatively influence us, the developing minds of youth may experience it more deeply.
3) Media and Culture Influence
One huge benefit to social media is the exposure to new cultures and useful information. While it heavily moves fashion and societal trends, we feel it’s influence to it even when we’re not using it.
We might have a friend mention someone they’re following or a video they viewed that interested them. Modern movies and TV shows incorporate use of social media too. It can help progress the plot or even form the entire story around it.
4) Heavy Marketing of Social Media (This Generation’s Cigarettes)
Social media platforms are structured to the consumer. Just like any other product being sold, it has to be relevant and desired. And this is so easy for social media marketers to do. The best part for them? You provide all of that information for the taking.
Through incredible advancements in data collection, organization, and disbursement, these companies can target us so accurately. It’s a bit scary. The algorithms and programs they use will take browsing history, points of engagement, and more to tailor a user’s experience.
This means, for every single person, they can provide a custom feed. It is a feed that shows a person things that interest them and keeps them hooked. Literally a deeply personalized online experience in order to make these businesses more money. Honestly, genius.
5) Perceived Health Benefits
There are truly some wonderful benefits that come along with access to social media platforms. The chance for connection and a sense of belonging are very meaningful for some people.
Others find ways to better reach and support their communities and passions through social media. And, because it spreads information so well, we can discover and learn many amazing things.
6) Highly Addictive – Social Media as Our Generation’s Cigarettes
Just as with cigarettes, the piece that continues to bring us back to social media is our brain. It’s ever present, and natural, need for dopamine and other happiness components drives us in ways we cannot imagine. And, between making posts and interacting with popular videos, we feed our brain this dopamine.
We are naturally a species that thrives on connection and this is always available on our phones. So, we can quickly and very effectively meet our needs by pulling up and engaging with these social media platforms.
It’s something we can turn to for both this satisfying connection or an escaping disconnection. When we need to cope with stress we have a box in our pocket that makes it go away for a time. And more than we know, it slips into and affects our daily routines.
What We Know About Social Media Health Risks
There are so many sources of information available that breakdown the harmful effects of social media. From anxiety and depression to increased suicide risks, from decreased productivity to quick but meaningless satisfaction, from self-esteem issues to poor interpersonal relationships, and more, you can learn about it.
Consider this cautioning as an opportunity to go discover more about the detrimental side of social media. Balance that with the benefits you and others close to you receive. Then, decide how you want social media to appear in your life.
The Bottom Line of Social Media as This Generation’s Cigarettes
Everything in moderation is such an annoying phrase but even more so because it is so so true. Clearly with cigarettes, any exposure is bad. Social media is arguably less so and can provide some wonderful resources for connection and community.
However, there is still so much we don’t yet know about the long term affects of social media use. And the information available on what is known is often brushed under the rug as insignificant.
Let’s not allow ourselves to be duped like society was in the 1900s by cigarettes. Let’s be thoughtful and intentional about what we consume both physically and mentally. This means we have taken control of our wellbeing instead of letting a subtle addiction lead the way.
About the Author
Anna is a twenty-something living in the south. She's passionate about family, crafting, and continuing her education beyond her college degree.