Vaping in Movies and TV Shows: Where you’ve seen vaping in Hollywood

Vaping has become a familiar sight in our everyday lives, and unsurprisingly, it’s also found its way onto the silver screen and the small screen. But how is vaping portrayed in entertainment, and has it followed the path of smoking in becoming a bygone relic on screen?

The Allure of Smoke and Mirrors: A Shift from Cigarettes

Cigarettes were once a ubiquitous prop in movies, a symbol of coolness, rebellion, or brooding intensity. However, with growing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, cigarettes have largely been phased out. Vaping, with its sleek devices and flavored clouds, emerged as a potential replacement for that visual shorthand.

There’s a clear distinction in how these two acts are portrayed. Smoking often involved taking a long drag, exhaling slowly, sometimes with a grimace or a thoughtful expression. Vaping, on the other hand, can be flashy. Blowing out elaborate vapor rings or tricks can be a way for a character to appear carefree or rebellious.

The Cool Factor: Does Vaping Glamorize the Habit?

Some studies suggest that seeing vaping on screen can be glamorizing, particularly for young viewers. The lack of the coughing fit often associated with smoking and the focus on the visual appeal of vaping devices can make it seem harmless.

This is especially concerning because the long-term health effects of vaping are still being researched. While it’s generally considered less harmful than smoking, it’s not risk-free.

Beyond the Cool Facade: A More Nuanced Portrayal

Vaping in entertainment isn’t always about looking cool. Characters might vape to depict stress, anxiety, or a desire to fit in with a certain social circle. Vaping can be used as a character detail, a subtle way to hint at their background or personality.

For instance, a stressed office worker might take a puff from their vape pen during a tense meeting. In a sci-fi show, a futuristic character’s vape could be a high-tech device with unique features.

Shows Where Vaping Has Played a Role

While not as prevalent as smoking once was, vaping has been present in a variety of films and TV shows. Here are a few examples:

• Stranger Things: The Netflix juggernaut features teenagers vaping in the later seasons. While not a central plot point, it reflects the trend’s presence in contemporary society.
• Rick and Morty: The interdimensional animated sitcom features characters vaping what appears to be a strange, space-faring substance. Here, vaping is used for comedic effect and adds to the show’s wacky tone.
• Vaping Documentary: Big Vape turns dispos (2023): This documentary delves into the rise and fall of Juul, a major e-cigarette company. It explores the marketing tactics used to target young people and the public health concerns surrounding vaping.

The Future of Vaping on Screen: A Fading Trend or a Story Element?

It’s difficult to predict the future of vaping in entertainment. As research on the health effects of vaping continues, its portrayal on screen might become more cautionary.

On the other hand, vaping could simply fade away as a trend, just as smoking has. Regardless, it’s a reminder of how entertainment reflects trends and social issues, even if the portrayal isn’t always straightforward.

The Bottom Line: Vaping on Screen – A Call for Awareness

Vaping in movies and TV shows is a reminder that entertainment media can influence perceptions. While some depictions might portray vaping as cool, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks.

The best approach is likely a balanced one, where vaping is shown without glamorizing it and where audiences are encouraged to make informed decisions.