Summary
Cigarettes are becoming popular again among Gen Z, as seen on social media, where they are linked to celebrities and fashion. Although no hard data confirms Gen Z is smoking more, there's a cultural shift toward behaviors that feel rebellious or offer tangible experiences.
Key Facts
- Cigarettes are appearing more frequently in social media posts related to fashion and celebrities.
- Over 64% of drinking-age Gen Z in the U.S. reported not consuming alcohol for six months, according to a July 2024 study.
- In December 2024, research showed record numbers of students abstaining from all drugs.
- Platforms like TikTok and Instagram promote wellness trends, yet there's a shift to more rebellious behaviors.
- The term "smoking pose" searches on Pinterest increased by 70% among 18- to 24-year-olds in the U.S.
- The cultural shift may be linked to a 2024 album that embraces hedonism and is associated with a "brat" aesthetic.
- Social media accounts highlight the appeal of tangible, traditional habits like smoking amid digital lives.
