Playtime: vaping devices designed as cartoons and toys may appeal to kids

Tatum Z, Leventhal A, Wipfli HL. Tobacco Control 2024;33:693-694.

Abstract

Vaping device technology and appearance have transformed from cigarette lookalikes to mod devices, to the discreet and colourful designs of JUUL and its many offshoots. Recent innovations in vaping devices include those that resemble miniature toys, including soda bottles, snow cones and popsicles (figures 1–3). These products piggy-back on the popularity of toy miniatures, driven by TikTok and other social media sites.1 By manipulating device design in this way, vape manufacturers can increase marketability of their device, appeal to younger demographics and potentially increase the uptake of vaping.