A brand new study on Juul-related Instagram posts highlights the importance of having stricter regulations when it comes to e-cigarette marketing. According to a CNN news report, the study that looked at nearly 15,000 Instagram posts from March through May 2018, found that more than one-third of the posts were promotional in nature, containing branded marketing messages or links to websites where users could purchase e-cigarettes.
The study, published in the BMJ journal Tobacco Control and funded by the Truth Initiative, an anti-tobacco advocacy group, also found that more than half of these posts featured content related to youth culture and lifestyle. Researchers say this is particularly important to note because the tobacco industry has historically taken the approach of marketing traditional cigarettes by playing up the ideals of social acceptability and “the cool factor.”
#Juul Lives On
Juul, the company that has a lion’s share of the e-cigarette market, has come under fire by public health officials for its popularity among youth. The company’s marketing strategies have also come under scrutiny. In fact, Juul’s marketing campaigns are the focus of several lawsuits filed against the e-cigarette maker. 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.
But, those who study the impact of advertising by tobacco companies said what Juul did was too little too late. A study published last year showed that the number of 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. Experts say the “ripple effect” set in motion by Juul’s early social media popularity is continuing. They say Juul is continuing 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 show 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. Our law firm is also representing clients who have been severely injured by exploding vaping products. If you or a loved one has been harmed or injured by e-cigarettes, vaping products or accessories, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you assess your legal rights and options. 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
