The vaping trend has swept the world in recent years. In the context of this trend, it’s only natural that Hollywood should decide to incorporate vaping into film. The silver screen has always been a mirror of contemporary society, and the addition of vaping to movies is by no means an exception. In this article, we further explore the depiction of vaping in Hollywood films and how it is relevant, along with Its effect on our perceptions.
The Rise of Vaping in Popular Culture
Vaping is the process in which an electronic cigarette or similar device produces vapor. This is achieved by heating an e-liquid which is then inhaled and exhaled like smoke from cigarettes (although effective e-cigarette products have only been available for less than two decades) they have become more common over the years. With the rise of vaping, it naturally came to television shows and movies. But ironically enough, this is especially true in Hollywood films themselves. But one of the things that makes vaping so popular is its modern image and connotation as less harmful than smoking. Because of how openly celebrities and influencers have endorsed vaping, it has been transformed into a glamorous symbol. On-screen or off, the accessory is trendy as well. Hollywood, always quick to capitalize on whatever is trendy in the culture, vaping found its way into screenwriting and character development.
Vaping as a Cultural Marker
Hollywood films have long been cultural landmarks, embodying a particular age. The presence of vaping in films shows its position within contemporary culture. Besides reflecting trends in the world outside, the on-screen use of electronic cigarettes also works to normalize vaping and influence public opinion. However, the portrayal of vaping in films is not always positive. Smoking in other movies is a device for revealing character flaws or displaying a lack of self-control. The duality in the representation reveals that the nuances of vaping are greater than at first appear.
Vaping as a Narrative Device
Aside from its screen appearance, vaping has become a storytelling tool in many Hollywood productions. Vaping is a method to communicate character traits, personalities, or moods that filmmakers try to achieve. Depending on the scene, there are different meanings to vaping without smoking. For example: rebellion, refinement, or vulnerability. Integrating vaping into the story in a deliberate way adds depth to characters and plots, offering filmmakers an up-to-date piece of versatility.
Impact on Youth and Public Opinion
A primary concern about the Hollywood depiction of vaping is youth influence. Now that films have the power to shape culture and even human norms, how a certain action is viewed (as opposed to whether it actually occurs) can affect its acceptability. Vaping in films necessarily has an impact on people’s perceptions of vapes themselves–including their impressionable viewers. Studies have found a link between watching smoking in movies and higher odds of an adolescent taking up smoking himself. Vaping has often been promoted as an alternative to smoking that is less harmful, but the long-term effects of vapor have yet to be determined. Vaping in the movies might unknowingly be helping to erase the line between tobacco smoking and vaporizing, which could affect how youth view each behavior.
Vaping has had many effects in Hollywood, and we await to see what they will do next with it as they are already influencing the youth and society in general by just including it as part of their props, and even though it may be good in portraying certain aspects about the characters some people argue if it is worth it or not especially because the effects of using them are yet to be fully discovered.
