A letter to the editor from the Howard County Tobacco and Vape Free Coalition
Today’s e-cigarettes are no longer just nicotine delivery devices. They’re becoming interactive technology. Some of the newest disposable e-cigarettes, often called “smart vapes,” feature animated screens, Bluetooth connectivity, music playback, customizable displays, and even games.
Some devices include a “Boost” mode that increases nicotine delivery, while others require users to puff the device to continue playing a game. These features blur the line between technology and tobacco products, making vaping more appealing to young people.
This trend is concerning because nicotine is highly addictive, and adolescents are especially vulnerable to its effects on the developing brain. Research suggests that combining gaming-style features with nicotine may reinforce addictive behaviors by encouraging more frequent and prolonged use.
According to recent national data, more than four in 10 youth who use e-cigarettes reported using “smart vapes” in early 2025, and these products continue to grow in popularity.
As parents prepare their children for a new school year, now is a good time to learn about these evolving products and have conversations about the risks of nicotine addiction.
If you or someone you know is ready to quit tobacco or nicotine, free help is available through Quit Now Indiana at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or QuitNowIndiana.com.
References
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (2026). Anatomy of Addictive Technology: “Smart Vapes.”
Truth Initiative. (2025). What’s inside a vape? https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/whats-inside-vape
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Smart disposable e-cigarettes: Characteristics and capabilities of new-generation devices. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11368577/
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