An increasing number of young individuals and celebrities are reclaiming smoking as a glamorous act and a form of empowerment. Cigarettes are regaining allure, especially in show business and creative industries. At events like New York Fashion Week, models are seen smoking, and artists like Charli XCX and Lady Gaga incorporate cigarettes into their personas. This trend is also spreading to the film and television industry, where smoking was once taboo. Actors like Paul Mescal and Lily-Rose Depp now openly smoke on screen. This shift is also evident in American movies, where smoking scenes are becoming increasingly common. Nine out of the ten films nominated for Best Picture at the 2024 Academy Awards featured smoking scenes. The resurgence of cigarettes in mainstream media is causing concern among experts and organizations, who fear it may glamorize smoking and undermine anti-smoking campaigns. This trend is fueled by Gen Z’s fascination with the 1990s, a decade when smoking was more widely accepted. Instagram accounts like Cigfluencers celebrate smoking as a symbol of coolness and trendiness. Despite the health risks, smoking is increasingly being perceived as a stylish accessory and symbol of allure, particularly among younger generations. With smoking becoming more prevalent in popular culture, efforts to combat smoking and promote awareness of its harmful effects may face new challenges.
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