The Rise of Vape Culture among Students

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 46 views

Introduction

In recent years, the use of electric cigarettes or vape has become increasingly popular, especially among students. This phenomenon has sparked concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals, who are worried about the potential health risks associated with vape use. However, the use of vape is not just a matter of nicotine; it also concerns a broader social dimension. This study aims to explore the motives behind the use of vape and the meaning presented by this phenomenon in the social context of students.

The Rise of Vape Culture among Students

The use of vape has become a widespread trend among students, with many universities and colleges reporting a significant increase in vape use among their students. This study focuses on the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the University of North Sumatra (USU), where researchers conducted a descriptive study to gain a deeper understanding of the social meaning of vape use among students.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive approach with qualitative methods to collect data from USU FISIP students. Researchers used observation, interviews, and documentation techniques to gather data, which was supported by literature studies as secondary data. Alfred Schutz's phenomenological theory and Jean Baudrillard's consumption theory were used as the basis for understanding the subjective experience of students in using vape.

Motives Behind Vape Use

The study revealed various motives that encourage USU FISIP students to use vape. Some of the most significant motives include:

Environmental Influence

Many students are influenced by their peers or social environment who also use vape, so they feel encouraged to try and adopt this habit. This environmental influence can be seen as a form of social pressure, where students feel compelled to conform to the norms of their social group.

Self-Image

Students often use vape as a way to build a more positive self-image. For them, the use of vape is a symbol of social status or prestige that describes a modern lifestyle. This self-image is closely tied to the idea of being trendy and fashionable, which is a key aspect of modern youth culture.

Transition from Conventional Cigarettes

For some users, vape is considered a safer alternative than conventional cigarettes. They think that vape can reduce health risks that are often associated with ordinary cigarettes. This motive is closely tied to the idea of health and wellness, which is a key concern for many students.

Variety of Flavors

Many students like the variations of flavors offered by vape products, which are considered more fun compared to traditional cigarettes. This variety of flavors is a key aspect of the vape culture, where users can experiment with different flavors and find the one that suits their taste.

Economy

Users also assume that vape is more economical in the long run. Although there is an initial investment needed to buy a vape tool, they believe the cost of maintenance and consumption of vape fluids is more affordable than buying daily cigarettes. This economic motive is closely tied to the idea of saving money and being financially responsible.

Time Fill

Vape is often used as a way to spend time when you feel bored. This gives students a way to relax or release stress in the midst of their academic activities. This motive is closely tied to the idea of leisure and entertainment, which is a key aspect of modern youth culture.

Social Meaning of Vape Use

From the student perspective, the use of vape has a complex social meaning. Some of the most significant social meanings include:

Social Prestige

For many students, the use of vape is not just an activity, but is also a symbol of status that shows that they are connected to the latest trends. This creates a sense of pride and identity among fellow users.

Lifestyle

Vape is part of a modern and dynamic lifestyle. Students who use vape tend to feel more trendy and fashionable, in line with the image they want to build in the social environment.

Self-Expression

In a broader context, Vape is also seen as a form of art and self-expression. Users often create various forms of smoke and different vape appearance, making this experience more attractive and artistic.

Conclusion

This study shows that the use of vape among USU FISIP students is not just a trend, but also has a deep social meaning. Diverse motives and social interpretations of the use of Vape reflect the complexity of social dynamics in the student environment. By understanding this meaning, it is hoped that there will be a higher awareness of the social and health impacts of the use of vape, as well as encouraging deeper discussions among the younger generation of this habit.

With this knowledge, students are expected to be able to make wiser decisions related to the use of vape in their daily lives. This study highlights the importance of understanding the social context of vape use, which is closely tied to the idea of identity, self-image, and social status. By acknowledging these factors, educators, parents, and health professionals can develop more effective strategies to address the issue of vape use among students.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and Awareness: Educators and health professionals should develop programs to educate students about the risks associated with vape use, as well as the social and health impacts of this habit.
Social Support: Parents and educators should provide social support to students who are struggling with vape use, by offering counseling and guidance to help them overcome this habit.
Alternative Activities: Schools and universities should provide alternative activities and programs to help students manage stress and boredom, which are common motives for vape use.
Policy Development: Governments and educational institutions should develop policies to regulate the sale and use of vape products, as well as to provide support for students who are struggling with vape use.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the use of vape among students can be reduced, and that students can make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Q: What is the main focus of this study?

A: The main focus of this study is to explore the motives behind the use of electric cigarettes or vape among students of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the University of North Sumatra (USU), and to understand the social meaning of this phenomenon in the student environment.

Q: What are the most significant motives behind vape use among students?

A: The study reveals that the most significant motives behind vape use among students include environmental influence, self-image, transition from conventional cigarettes, variety of flavors, economy, and time fill.

Q: What is the social meaning of vape use among students?

A: From the student perspective, the use of vape has a complex social meaning. Some of the most significant social meanings include social prestige, lifestyle, and self-expression.

Q: Why do students use vape as a way to build a positive self-image?

A: Students use vape as a way to build a positive self-image because it is seen as a symbol of social status or prestige that describes a modern lifestyle. This self-image is closely tied to the idea of being trendy and fashionable, which is a key aspect of modern youth culture.

Q: Is vape use a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes?

A: Some users believe that vape is a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes because it is perceived to have fewer health risks. However, this is a topic of ongoing debate, and more research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of vape use.

Q: Why do students like the variety of flavors offered by vape products?

A: Students like the variety of flavors offered by vape products because it is seen as a more fun and exciting experience compared to traditional cigarettes. This variety of flavors is a key aspect of the vape culture, where users can experiment with different flavors and find the one that suits their taste.

Q: Is vape use a way to manage stress and boredom among students?

A: Yes, vape use is often used as a way to manage stress and boredom among students. This is because vape provides a quick and easy way to relax or release tension, which can be appealing to students who are struggling with academic pressures or other stressors.

Q: What are the implications of this study for educators, parents, and health professionals?

A: The implications of this study are that educators, parents, and health professionals should develop programs to educate students about the risks associated with vape use, as well as the social and health impacts of this habit. They should also provide social support to students who are struggling with vape use, and offer alternative activities and programs to help students manage stress and boredom.

Q: What are the recommendations for policy development to regulate the sale and use of vape products?

A: The recommendations for policy development include regulating the sale and use of vape products, providing support for students who are struggling with vape use, and developing programs to educate students about the risks associated with vape use.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size, the reliance on self-reported data, and the lack of longitudinal data to track the long-term effects of vape use.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the social meaning of vape use among students?

A: The future directions for research on the social meaning of vape use among students include exploring the long-term effects of vape use, examining the impact of vape use on mental health, and developing programs to prevent and treat vape use among students.