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Since video gaming achieved mainstream popularity in the 70s and 80s, there’s been much debate on whether the actions portrayed in video games have a real-life impact on gamers. In our previous article on ‘Positive and Negative Effects of Video Games on Society’, we discussed some gaming-related benefits such as enhanced creativity and problem-solving, as well as improved decision-making skills. However, there are negative repercussions associated with gaming, too, like social isolation, exposure to violent crimes, addiction to video games, and more. Compounding the debate is the depiction of negative behaviors like smoking in video games.
In this article, we delve into the issue of smoking in video games, exploring its portrayal, potential effects, and whether it warrants concern in the broader context of public health and media representation.
The influence of video games on real-life
Recently, parents and health advocates have grown concerned over the depiction of smoking in virtual worlds, especially considering that the average gamer in the US spends about 7.6 hours per week gaming. For example, in the hugely popular video game Red Dead Redemption 2, a portion of the gameplay involves using cigarettes as an interactive experience that benefits the player. This has led to worries that exposure to tobacco’s somewhat glamorized portrayal can influence attitudes and behaviors related to smoking among young adults.
It’s not just cigarettes that are being glamorized, either. In a 2023 study published in the Tobacco Control journal, researchers found that e-cigarette use and promotion by social media influencers is rampant in video gaming live streams on the social media platform Twitch. This is particularly concerning as 22.3% of Twitch’s user base consists of college-aged students under 24 years who are vulnerable to marketing and experimenting with substances to cope with stress. In fact, a separate investigation shows that 25.8% of young adults between 18 and 24 identify as ever using an e-cigarette, making them the largest consumers of e-cigarettes in the US.
Efforts to curb smoking
Exposure to tobacco imagery in pop culture puts the health of young people at risk. To combat this trend, the nonprofit public health organization Truth Initiative has been calling for game developers and publishers to stop including tobacco depictions in games or, at the very least, include anti-smoking advertising before previously produced material with youth ratings and tobacco depictions.
As for gamers who are looking to quit, smoking alternatives such as nicotine pouches or lozenges can aid them on their cessation journey. These alternatives offer reduced harm compared to traditional cigarettes since they deliver nicotine to the system without the use of tobacco or the combustion aspect commonly linked to cigarettes.
Instead, nicotine pouches are discreetly placed between the lip and gums to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. In addition, nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavors meant to appeal to a wide consumer base. For a crisp, intense, and invigorating nicotine experience, opt for ZYN Wintergreen pouches that are infused with notes of menthol and a subtle hint of sweetness. These pouches also come in different strengths ranging from 3 mg to 6 mg, allowing users to taper their consumption until they can wean off nicotine completely.
Aside from pouches, gamers wanting to shift to a smoke-free lifestyle can try out Dr. Reddy’s Nicotine Polacrilex lozenges, a type of nicotine replacement therapy designed to be used for smoking cessation. These newly launched lozenges are available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths and reduce nicotine cravings much like pouches. To use properly, put the lozenge in your mouth between your gums and your cheek, allowing the lozenge to dissolve over 20 to 30 minutes slowly.
While the use of smoking alternatives can be greatly beneficial for gamers wanting to quit, efforts should also be directed toward promoting media literacy and healthy behaviors among players. By fostering awareness and understanding of the potential influences of smoking imagery in video games, players can be empowered to make informed choices and mitigate any potential negative impacts on their health and well-being.
