Nicotine marketing
Nicotine marketing refers to how companies promote products containing nicotine, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco devices. These marketing strategies are designed to attract new users, retain current ones, and discourage quitting. Despite increasing regulations, nicotine marketing remains widespread and influential.
Marketing methods
Rebellion and freedom
Companies often associate nicotine use with rebellion and personal freedom. Instead of directly encouraging people to smoke, advertisements suggest that using nicotine is a way to assert independence. This approach particularly appeals to teenagers and young adults who are exploring their identities.
Mood enhancement
Advertisements claim that nicotine helps with stress, anxiety, and irritability. However, while nicotine may temporarily relieve withdrawal symptoms, it can worsen overall mood and mental health in the long term. Some marketing even suggests that quitting nicotine could harm mental health, a claim not supported by independent research.
Stealth and social media marketing
To avoid public scrutiny, companies use subtle marketing tactics, especially on social media. This includes influencer partnerships and viral content that doesn't overtly promote nicotine products but still increases their visibility. Such strategies are cost-effective and particularly effective among youth.
Target audiences
Retaining current users
Many smokers wish to quit, but companies aim to retain them by downplaying health risks and promoting "safer" alternatives like "light" or "filtered" cigarettes. These alternatives offer little to no health benefits but give users a false sense of control over their habits. Wikipedia
Attracting new users
Marketing often targets young people by linking nicotine use to empowerment, self-expression, and social acceptance. Flavored products and sleek designs make nicotine products more appealing to this demographic.
Re-engaging former users
Companies also attempt to bring back former users by introducing new products marketed as less harmful or more socially acceptable.
Economic impact
Nicotine marketing is a multi-billion-dollar industry. In the United States alone, companies spent over $1 million per hour on marketing in 2016. This significant investment underscores the importance placed on maintaining and expanding the consumer base.
Regulation and public health
Many countries have implemented strict regulations on nicotine marketing, including bans on advertising and mandatory health warnings on packaging. The World Health Organization advocates for comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising to reduce consumption and protect public health.
Nicotine Marketing Media
In Indonesia, cigarette advertisements are still allowed.
Tobacco shop in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 2020: advertisement is authorized inside the shop.
Tobacco distributor in Belgium after the introduction of plain packaging (April 2020)
Advertisement featuring baseball player Joe DiMaggio in 1941
"More Doctors Smoke Camels than Any Other Cigarette" advertisement for Camel cigarettes in the 1940s
A girl wearing a Marlboro shirt in the 1980s. Owning and being willing to use promotional items is a significant risk factor for nicotine addiction.
Though advertisements for cigarettes are banned in many countries, such advertising could still be seen in the sponsorship of events such as auto racing.
.jpg)
_2.jpg)
