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Over the last decade, vaping has transformed from a niche habit into a global cultural phenomenon. For better or worse, it’s something most people now recognise — from the distinct whiffs of fruity vapour clouds to the slick, modern devices that look like tech gadgets straight out of a sci-fi movie. The rise of vaping has brought with it a new symbol, and as with many cultural trends, film and television have been quick to pick up on it. But what does vaping look like on the silver screen? Is it a glamorous trend, a casual habit, or a sign of rebellion? Let’s dive into how movies and TV are portraying vape culture and what that means for the broader conversation around this ever-evolving social symbol.
The Birth of Vape Culture in Media
The first e-cigarettes hit the market in the early 2000s, but vaping didn’t gain mainstream momentum until the 2010s. Around this time, vaping transitioned from being merely a smoking alternative to forming its own subculture. Pop stars, influencers, and tech enthusiasts began embracing it, turning it into a cultural phenomenon. Once it became a distinct element, filmmakers started weaving vaping into the narrative fabric of their stories.
Historically, Hollywood has loved incorporating smoking into its movies, with iconic scenes — think Humphrey Bogart in *Casablanca* or Audrey Hepburn in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* — that made smoking look effortlessly cool and sophisticated. Vaping, however, has not received quite the same level of cinematic reverence. Its depiction on screen ranges from light-hearted to critical, reflecting its evolving place in cultural imagination.
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Vaping as a Modern Symbol
While smoking has long been associated with rebellion, danger, and sophistication, vaping brings an entirely different set of connotations. Where cigarettes were analog, gritty, and visceral, vaping feels clean, gadget-like, and, in many ways, inherently futuristic. This shift is visible in the way film characters who vape are portrayed.
Take, for example, films like *The Tourist* or *The Social Network*. Although these films didn’t lean heavily into showcasing vaping as a culture, they did introduce audiences to characters who casually vaped. In *The Social Network*, Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake) is often seen vaping, perhaps as a nod to his character’s tech-savvy, edgy persona. Parker’s vape use becomes a subtle extension of his character — he’s young, innovative, and a little bit rebellious.
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Vaping as Comedy
Many movies and TV shows have approached vaping with a sense of irony or humour, using it to poke fun at modern habits. This is particularly evident in shows like Broad City and Workaholics, where characters use vapes exaggeratedly. In Broad City, Abbi’s roommate Bevers puffs on a vape pen with little awareness of how absurd he looks, turning vaping into a source of comic relief. Here, vaping is less about coolness and more about the quirks of modern urban life.
The comedic take on vaping extends to the quirky personas associated with it. Often, these characters are written as slightly oblivious, self-important, or simply trying to be trendy. The vape pen symbolises someone trying to fit in or latch onto a trend without fully understanding it. This type of portrayal speaks to a common stereotype about vaping: that it’s something people take up to feel “in the know” or ahead of the curve, sometimes without actually caring about the practice itself.
Vaping as a Tool for Sci-Fi and Futuristic Aesthetics
One fascinating angle that movies are beginning to explore is vaping’s potential as a futuristic symbol. Unlike cigarettes, tied to an older, classic image, vapes have a sleek, techy look that easily fits into the sci-fi genre. Films like Blade Runner 2049 or Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (though it leans more on visual effects than direct vaping) use vapour as a backdrop to create a certain atmosphere, associating the device with a dystopian, high-tech aesthetic.
In a way, vapes make sense in futuristic worlds. They are small, customizable, and function on technology — a bit like a smartphone but for consuming substances. In these settings, characters vaping on-screen feel like a natural part of their environment. Here, vaping isn’t just a cultural symbol; it’s a part of the world-building process, something that adds to the setting without necessarily making a statement.
The Rise of the “Hipster Vaper” Archetype
In recent years, we’ve seen the emergence of a new character archetype: the “hipster vaper.” These characters are often young, fashion-forward, and very image-conscious, with vapes functioning as an extension of their aesthetic. They appear in indie and mainstream films, though more frequently on television in shows like Atlanta and Insecure.
For these characters, vaping serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it’s a sign of modernity, separating them from the older, smoking crowd. On the other, it’s an emblem of style, especially when paired with outfits and settings that scream “cool.” Vaping becomes another part of their identity, blending seamlessly with their tattoos, retro clothing, and carefully curated social media personas.
This archetype reflects the current cultural view of vaping as a trendy, urban activity. The “hipster vaper” isn’t just trying to look cool but is carefully crafting an image that says, “I’m part of a new generation, different from what came before.”
The Dark Side of Vaping on Screen: Critique and Caution
Not all film portrayals of vaping are light-hearted or neutral. Some have taken a darker, more critical approach, particularly in films or documentaries that delve into the health and social issues associated with vaping. Documentaries like Vape Wave and segments in series like Explained have approached vaping through the lens of addiction, health concerns, and youth influence.
These documentaries often challenge the glamorization of vaping by highlighting the dangers associated with it, especially for young people. In this context, vaping isn’t portrayed as a harmless trend but as a potentially dangerous habit with unknown long-term effects. These projects serve as a reminder of the potential consequences that come with any new substance-based trend, whether it’s smoking, vaping, or something else entirely.
The Future of Vaping in Film
As vaping continues to be a significant part of youth culture, it’s likely that we’ll see even more nuanced portrayals on the silver screen. It’s a phenomenon that has outgrown the novelty phase, and filmmakers will likely explore vaping with more complexity as the culture around it matures.
We might start to see characters whose vaping habits are deeply tied to their story arcs, whether that involves exploring addiction, peer influence, or even the desire for social acceptance. Some films could delve into the health implications of vaping or the environmental effects of disposable e-cigarettes, painting a more realistic picture of the habit.
Summing Up
Vaping in film is a mirror for our society’s current views on this modern habit. For some, it’s a fashionable accessory; for others, a punchline. And for a growing number, it’s a genuine concern. Filmmakers, always attuned to cultural currents, are increasingly using vaping as a way to signify character traits, setting the tone, or simply reflecting the world as it is today.
