Anti-smoking battle under threat from ‘cancel culture’ and misinformation

The spread of alternative tobacco products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco aids smokers in quitting traditional smoking, despite misinformation on social media undermining public health efforts. 'Cancel culture' obstructs tobacco harm reduction progress, contested by healthcare experts who advocate for evidence-based strategies. Leading the resistance against misleading campaigns are public health researchers, physicians, and experts who stress the importance of embracing less risky alternatives like e-cigarettes. In India, the ban on e-cigarettes increased their use among youth, revealing the need for education to combat misinformation. Promoting smoke-free alternatives and enhancing awareness can significantly reduce smoking rates, as seen in successful cases like the UK, New Zealand, and Sweden.