Kicking Old Habits in the Modern Day

People have always fallen victim to some sort of conformism: from clothing to eating or what art we consume, trends constantly come and go. Smoking cigarettes was once perceived as sophisticated, glamorous and attractive, but that mindset has significantly shifted since the appearance of cigarettes on the market. People want to follow fashion trends and wear the newest thing on the market, but fast-fashion has now become a bad word, and many are opting for more sustainable options.

Historical Shifts in Smoking Trends

Back in what was considered the Golden Age of Hollywood, actors were shown in movies with a cigarette in more cases than not. Tobacco companies were promoting their products, claiming their health benefits and cigarettes were easily accessible to any person who desired to purchase a pack. Now, people are taught from a young age about the harmful consequences from smoking and many smokers eventually want to quit. Those who want to quit smoking can buy nicotine pouches or chewing nicotine releasing gums to help them in their process.

How Our Perception of Smoking Has Changed

Before people were made aware of the negative consequences of smoking cigarettes, because it was something we would come across on a daily basis, because it was part of any media we would consume and because of its accessibility, it made sense that everybody was smoking. But now that we have data and have seen people suffer from smoking-related illnesses or even have their physical state be affected, we see an important decrease in smoking populations. Countries and states are implementing stricter rules concerning cigarette access as well as where you are allowed to smoke. Canada for example, instated a Tobacco Control Act that prohibits anyone from smoking within a 9 metre radius of any door to any building.

Modern Day Habits

Cigarette smoking may be considered an old habit, but current bad habits also exist. From overspending to over consuming, the modern world creates modern problems.

Hyperconnection: Setting Screen Time Limits

We are hyper connected with our smartphones. This has benefits, for example, being aware of what goes on in different countries, having access to a broader pool of academic information or journals, being able to maintain connections with people around the globe... However, studies have shown that increased screen time causes a decrease in general wellbeing: increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and effects on your sleep cycle, which in itself can affect other spheres of your life. There are solutions to this modern day bad habit: it is now possible to set hours during which a mobile device stays locked, and people have the option of putting time limits on certain apps.

Vaping

Though cigarette smokers are becoming less apparent in many societies, e-cigarettes are gaining in popularity. Vapes allow people to inhale nicotine in a way that is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but they still have negative side-effects. Vaping can also cause lung disease and substance dependence, for example.

Embracing Healthier Habits for a Better Future

As society evolves, so do our habits and perceptions. While smoking and fast fashion decline, new challenges like hyperconnection and vaping emerge. Addressing these requires conscious effort, education, and sustainable alternatives.