Educational Media Reviews Online

Think that e-cigarettes are healthier than regular tobacco cigarettes? Think that e-cigarettes will help you quit smoking? According to this program, think again. Recommended for middle, high school, and even college audiences, What’s Up With E-Cigarettes provides an informed view of the what, the how, and the what happens, when inhaling e-cigarettes, or “vaping.”

The program clearly explains what an e-cigarette is, how it’s used, and, the most important point that is reinforced throughout the film, the fact that not enough research has been done to clearly state that using e-cigarettes is any healthier than smoking regular cigarettes. As of this review, e-cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA, so marketers can make claims that at first glance, would lead one to believe that they are not as dangerous as tobacco products. However, the liquid that is “vaped” contains just as many chemicals as tobacco cigarettes, and there hasn’t been enough research to prove that they are safe. Research does state that second hand exposure to e-cigarette vapor affects those who are in proximity to users, even though they themselves are not using them. Marketers know their audiences, and produce flavors and colors of e-cigarettes that are perceived as fun and not really dangerous.

Two young adults, Molly and Miles, provide their own testimonies on their experiences with e-cigarettes, providing a real-life example for the target audience. Neither one of them recommends that people start using e-cigarettes. What’s Up With E-Cigarettes follows the successful pattern of Human Relations Videos, with experts providing advice, as well as attractive, young hosts that most young adults will relate to, and the inclusion of a teacher’s guide to help plan classroom instruction.