Virtual reality: Big Tobacco encouraging virtual smoking and vaping

The online universe and particularly the metaverse, the three-dimensional version of the internet, are becoming the new battlefield for the promoters of harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol. In this virtual world, they are able to target young people, going as far as promoting tobacco products which are normally regulated, in an unregulated environment.

These alarming developments were highlighted in a report presented at the World Conference on Tobacco Control held in Dublin last month.

The report provided examples of tobacco companies adopting new technologies to promote their products and notably mentioned the use of brand-related programming in online games.

This danger is being monitored by the global public health organisation Vital Strategies, whose research has found incidences where avatars (virtual characters) can be seen using the products, thereby normalising the act of smoking and vaping among users especially young users who are the highest demographic on such platforms.

Comment by Allen Carr’s Easyway

As addiction specialists at Allen Carr’s Easyway, we are not surprised by these disturbing revelations but we are gravely concerned about their potential impact.

This is a classic example of how corporations are continuing to innovate and find their way around legislation in their bid to attract a new generation of addicts.

It is a clear sign that we, as a society, must urgently implement strategies to combat this growing menace.

We will continue our work providing individuals with effective tools to overcome addiction and find freedom, while simultaneously advocating for stricter control and regulation even in the digital world.