Sometimes, it can feel as though it is tricky to get a straight answer when it comes to questions about vaping – which often happens because there is so much misinformation out there. But why do so many myths and errors about vaping end up being spread?
One big reason is the simple fact that as vaping increases in popularity and more people make the switch from smoking, more misinformation is likely to appear. That misinformation tends to be more eye-catching than the facts. As a trusted source and expert in the field, we are taking a closer look at the driving forces behind the spread of misinformation to help you spot it when you see it.
What are the causes of misinformation around vaping?
There are a few different factors and sources that come into play when we are looking at the spread of vape misinformation.
Media sensationalism
It likely comes as little surprise that media outlets and news stories are often sensationalised for the greatest effect – and that this can contribute to vaping myths. For example, media outlets may take new research or articles and cherry-pick the information to form their own narrative or to create the most interesting headline as a way to attract readers.
Social media myth-spreading
In a manner very similar to the spread of misinformation in traditional media, social platforms also tend to spotlight sensationalist takes. In fact, they tend to amplify myths and falsehoods more, especially through users who are not verified experts in the field. Information on social media is incredibly easy to share, making it spread faster and wider – and you can’t assume that there is someone fact checking the posts that get traction. That is why it is important to have trusted sources like Evapo to turn to.
Illicit market products
Illicit products can contribute to the spread of misinformation, either through their own packaging and advertising, or through the fact that they are inferior products that do not follow the regulations – which can then put trusted vaping brands with regulated products and vape kits in a bad light.
All the above
The above reasons combined can contribute to consumers not believing or finding out more about the growing body of scientific research behind vaping, this can then add to the spread of misconceptions. Because media outlets and social media can share information so widely, and negative press is much more likely to be shared than positive, it becomes harder to combat the misinformation and get the accurate information in the press and in front of the people who need to see it.
What are some common myths about vaping?
There are a few very common and pervasive myths about vaping that have sprung up over the years. One of the most problematic is the idea that vaping is as harmful or even more so than smoking. This is not the case. In fact, we have known since 2015 that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, a figure that was then re-affirmed in the Nicotine vaping in England: 2022 evidence update.
Other often-shared myths include the idea that vapes are not regulated and that we do not know what is in them. Nicotine vaping products are tightly regulated in the UK and when you buy from a professional vape shop, you know you are choosing products that have been assessed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as outlined in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR). According to the NHS, there are also misconceptions around the idea that vaping is more addictive than smoking or is a gateway to smoking, both of which have been proven incorrect.
You can find more examples of misconceptions in our guide to common myths about vaping. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) have also released a very useful guide debunking common vaping myths.
Why do these myths about vaping exist?
Vaping has not been around for anywhere near as long as smoking and is “unfamiliar” to many people. This makes it much easier for misinformation to be spread and believed, as people have less anecdotal evidence or learned experience to fall back on.
Another big reason is the fact that vaping is often grouped with smoking and therefore deemed just as dangerous and unhealthy, which we know is not the case. Many people do not differentiate between nicotine and smoking, assuming that they are the same and that it is the nicotine that is harmful. In fact, it is the many toxic and even carcinogenic substances produced by smoke that are harmful, not the nicotine produced by a vape. Find out more in our blog exploring the key differences between vaping and smoking.
Many people may also see switching from smoking to vaping as “swapping one addiction for the other” when vaping actually allows users to manage their nicotine intake without also inhaling all the harmful substances from a cigarette. You might think of it as the same addiction to nicotine, but vaping is a much less harmful way to manage it.
The spread of misinformation can also be caused by communications from some public health groups, who discourage vaping and do not see it as a tool to stop smoking and may therefore exaggerate risks of vaping.
How to find reliable information and facts about vaping
To make sure that you have access to the facts and are able to avoid misinformation, you need a reliable option. Many public health bodies like Action on Smoking and Heath (ASH), NICE, and the Royal College of Physicians support vaping as an alternative to smoking, including the NHS and Government, and they share information in a factual and non-sensationalist way.
Evapo is a trusted source when it comes to vaping information, and we endeavour to share the latest research and information about vaping quickly and accurately. We always use scientific resources, such as information released by the NHS, to back up any content published and always share up-to-date information and research.
Conclusion
Considering that vaping is a relatively new technology and the fact that that sensationalist news tends to spread more quickly than quieter and more accurate stories, it is easy to see why misinformation is rife. To ensure that you are getting the true picture and are up to date with the latest research, be sure to stick to trusted sources such as the Evapo blog.
Sources
Gov.uk – 29/09/2022
NHS.uk – 12/12/2025 (last checked)
Gov.uk – 16/08/2024
ASH.org.uk – 23/08/2023
KLC.ac.uk – 29/09/2022
UKHSA.blog.gov.uk – 20/02/2012
