Breath of Fresh Air

Source: Wikimedia / Vaper City.  

*Names have been changed. 

Nicotine, like alcohol, is a drug that’s been normalised in our society. And let’s be honest: we all know multiple people who’ve tried it, whether it’s consumed through patches, gum, vapes, or cigarettes. Nicotine is not only extremely popular, but is ingrained into student life. 

In the past, the most popular way to consume nicotine has been through smoking. However, smoking has dropped to an all-time low amongst young adults aged between 18-24 – at 3%, according to Smokefree New Zealand. 

The reason behind the drop in numbers of young adults who smoke is because vaping has taken the place of smoking in most aspects. In my personal life, I only know three people who have not tried vaping at least once. 

Although there are no up-to-date statistics on the vaping numbers amongst young adults aged between 18-24, the Ministry of Health has identified a 5% increase in vaping between 2019/20 to 2021/22, and in 2021/22 they identified that 22.6% of young adults vape. 

Although vaping numbers are high, there are still students who don’t follow the trend. There are still students who smoke and prefer cigarettes over vapes. There are also students who are not into nicotine at all.  

I’d like to explore these different preferences, for an epic showdown of Vaping vs. Smoking vs. Breathing Air. 

Image of Jack’s vape. Source: Maia Aramakutu.

So why vaping? 

A UC student named Jack*, who is a daily vaper, said he chooses to vape over smoking for multiple reasons. One reason being that “smoking hurts my chest where vaping doesn’t.” 

He also noted that “vaping tastes a lot nicer”. This is because vape juice comes in all different flavours ranging from peach ice to menthol. 

Jack identified one of his main reasons for vaping as “being less expensive than smoking”. This is because vaping requires you to buy a single vape that can cost as low as $20. Then all you must do is buy a $15 juice which can last for a month, and a $14 pod replacement every now and again. 

Josh finds this more affordable than buying a pack of cigarettes every time you want a nicotine fix. 

When asked about the health implications of vaping, Jack replied that he “doesn’t really care”, and he thinks that vaping is “probably better for you than smoking.” 

However, this opinion is not held by every vaper. UC student Zoe*, who is a casual vaper, said that she thinks “vaping will cause lots of young people serious health concerns in the future”. 

But this doesn’t stop her from vaping. Zoe said she does it “because it is more accessible than smoking,” and added: “I like the headrush, especially when I’m drunk.” 

As for smoking: the reason why people prefer it directly conflicts with the reasons people prefer vaping. 

A UC student named Max* prefers smoking. “We are fully aware of the effects of smoking cigarettes, whereas we know very little about vaping and it scares me.” 

Max also identified that “it’s a lot easier to get away with vaping inside and in communal spaces, which only enables the addiction further. At least you have to go outside to smoke a ciggy and there a whole lot of admin associated.” 

This conflicts with the preference for vaping. In Max’s case, he would rather know what he’s putting into his body and how it will affect his lungs, than inhaling random chemicals and seeing what happens in the future. 

And finally, the argument for breathing air – as although nicotine is highly popular amongst students, not everyone has tried it or even feels the need to try it. 

UC student Oliver*, who has never consumed nicotine in his life, said it is because “smoking and vaping are lame, especially vaping”. 

He said that his main reason for not doing either is that “they are bad for you… I would rather not put chemicals into my lungs. With smoking, we know that it can cause life-long effects to your lungs, and vaping is inhaling artificial chemicals.” 

“Just because we don’t know the effects of vaping doesn’t mean we should act like they are good. Also they have found lead in some vapes, so no thanks,” said Oliver. 

Another UC student who has never vaped or smoked, Josh*, said he believes that “people only consume nicotine for a buzz. However you can get that from drinking caffeine, which is better, as it is healthier and less addictive.” 

“Vaping and smoking are lame, and I don’t want to ruin my lungs for a buzz,” he said. 

This seems to be the consensus on why people choose to not vape or smoke: they feel it is healthier.  

So those are the different perspectives – I’m going to leave it up to you to decide who won.