A brand-new study on Juul-related Instagram posts highlights the importance of stricter regulations regarding e-cigarette marketing. According to a CNN news report, the study, which looked at nearly 15,000 Instagram posts from March through May 2018, found that more than one-third of the posts were promotional, containing branded marketing messages or links to websites where users could purchase e-cigarettes.
The study found that more than half of these posts featured content related to youth culture and lifestyle; it was published in the BMJ journal Tobacco Control and funded by the Truth Initiative, an anti-tobacco advocacy group. Researchers say this is particularly important to note because the tobacco industry has historically marketed traditional cigarettes by playing up the ideals of social acceptability and “the cool factor.”
Juul Lives On
Juul, which dominates the e-cigarette market, has been criticized by public health officials for its popularity among youth. The company’s marketing strategies have also been scrutinized. Juul has faced several lawsuits.
These lawsuits allege that Juul has been deliberately targeting teens. Juul has phased out much of its social media in the United States since, shutting down its Facebook and Instagram accounts in November and scaling back its use of Twitter and YouTube. However, experts studying the impact of tobacco companies’ advertising argued that Juul’s actions were insufficient and untimely. A study published last year showed that Juul-related tweets multiplied significantly in 2017—17 times the 2016 levels.
Another study, also last year, estimated that 25 percent of users who were retweeting the company were under age 18. According to experts, the “ripple effect” that Juul’s early social media popularity started continues to influence current trends. They say Juul continues to reap the financial benefit of its early investment, which is now paying large dividends.
Damage Caused by Vaping Products
This is all happening at a time when we are seeing study after study that shows e-cigarettes are extremely harmful to one’s health. They have been linked to heart disease, lung damage and even the destruction of brain cells. Additionally, our law firm is defending clients who suffered severe injuries from exploding vaping products.
An experienced vape injury lawyer can assist you in determining your legal rights and options if e-cigarettes, vaping products, or accessories have caused harm or injury to you or a loved one. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/03/health/juul-social-media-study/index.html
